NEW YORK, NY - Today, Federal Judge Andrew Hanen in the Southern District of Texas denied Texas and other states’ attempts to place an injunction on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In his decision, Judge Hanen ruled that because Texas and the other states had waited years to file their lawsuit, ending the program now would harm the best interests of the public. Texas and the other plaintiff states have 21 days to appeal his decision.
Judge Hanen’s ruling means that current and former DACA recipients can continue renewing their status as usual. The NYIC is urging DACA recipients to seek legal consultation to consider filing for renewal.
Individuals considering renewal can seek legal consultation by calling the Office of New Americans (ONA) hotline (1-800-566-7636).
Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition, issued the following statement:
“Judge Hanen's decision is a small, bitter victory for 42,000 New Yorkers and the 800,000 DACA recipients across the country who are in need of a permanent legislative fix. Thankfully, today’s ruling allows current and former DACA recipients to continue to have the opportunity to file renewal applications as needed, support their families, pursue their education, and contribute to their communities. We urge DACA recipients to consult with immigration attorneys to renew their applications.”
Background
Almost a year ago, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration would rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
However, since then, three federal circuit court judges have ruled that the Trump administration ended DACA improperly, and ordered the Department of Homeland Security to continue accepting renewal applications.
Over fifty percent of DACA recipients under the age of 25 are on track to receive a bachelor’s degree, and in total, over ninety percent of DACA recipients are employed. In the next 10 years, the country stands to lose $460.3 billion in GDP if DACA is ended without a legislative solution. In New York alone, there are 115,000 Dream Act-eligible individuals in the workforce who would add a projected $1.75 billion to the state GDP annually over ten years.
In the aftermath of the repeal of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals on September 5th, the New York Immigration Coalition led a 4,000 person rally at Foley Square and has organized free legal services for DACA recipients.