The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was implemented in 2012 by President Barack Obama. The program was designed to provide temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to individuals who were brought to the United States as children. However, the program has been a subject of controversy since its inception, and its current status is uncertain.
Background
The DACA program was implemented in response to the growing number of undocumented immigrants in the United States. The program allowed individuals who were brought to the United States as children to apply for temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. To be eligible for the program, applicants had to meet certain requirements, including:
- Arriving in the United States before the age of 16
- Living in the United States continuously for at least five years
- Having no criminal record
- Being enrolled in or having completed high school or a GED program
Since its implementation, the DACA program has provided protection and work authorization to over 700,000 individuals.
Controversy
The DACA program has been a subject of controversy since its inception. Opponents argue that the program encourages illegal immigration and that it is unconstitutional. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the program provides temporary relief to individuals who were brought to the United States as children and that it is a humane and practical solution to the issue of undocumented immigration.
In September 2017, President Donald Trump announced that he would be ending the DACA program. The decision was met with widespread criticism and legal challenges. In response, several lawsuits were filed challenging the legality of the decision to end the program.
Current Status
As of 2021, the DACA program is still in effect. However, its future is uncertain. In December 2020, a federal judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security to reinstate the DACA program to its original form, which would allow new applicants to apply for protection and work authorization. However, the ruling is currently being appealed, and the future of the program is still in question.
Regardless of the current status of the DACA program, it is important to remember that immigration law is constantly changing. If you or someone you know is in need of immigration assistance, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified immigration attorney.
The DACA program has provided temporary relief to hundreds of thousands of individuals who were brought to the United States as children. While its future is uncertain, it is important to continue to advocate for a humane and practical solution to the issue of undocumented immigration.
