Applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are up

In December, additional immigration opportunities were reopened for some qualified applicants. In the months since the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program began to take applications again, estimates suggest there are more 50,000 new applications. While this is encouraging news, only a very small percentage of applications have actually been approved. It is possible a pending court decision is behind these numbers.

Is the program under threat?

Previously, a federal judge ruled DACA to be unlawful, and this same judge is set to make a decision on the legality of the program’s policy. Some say that when creating this program in 2012, Obama overstepped his presidential authority. It is possible the slowdown in DACA application approvals is a result of this pending court decision.

However, immigration advocates say this is a reason to be reviewing as many applications as possible right now. While the program is still operational, applicants in Michigan and other places may still seek the protections offered by DACA. The benefits of this program include offering undocumented individuals who came to the United States as children the opportunity to get work permits and Social Security cards.

Advocates for DACA applicants

Those in Texas applying to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program may benefit from experienced legal guidance. Working with an experienced attorney can help one understand how to navigate various immigration concerns. An assessment of the individual case can provide insight regarding the most beneficial way forward that will allow one to effectively pursue his or her immigration goals.