Immigrant ARC Statement on Decision in DACA Lawsuit

Albany, NY; July 17, 2021 - Late in the day yesterday, Judge Hanen of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision in the State of Texas’ lawsuit challenging the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Court found that the DACA program in its entirety was unlawful, but allowed it to continue for current DACA recipients, pending further appeals. He halted DHS’ ability to accept and adjudicate new DACA applications.

This means that current DACA holders as well as those who’s DACA grant expired in the last year are currently still protected and can continue to submit applications to renew. Anyone who never applied for DACA before or who’s previous grant expired over a year ago cannot obtain DACA as long as this court decision remains in force.

Immigrant ARC (I-ARC) Executive Director Camille Mackler issued the following statement in response. 

“We are disappointed by yesterday’s ruling, which once again throws the lives of hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients into uncertainty. But the takeaway is clear: it is long past the time for Congress to act to find permanent solutions for DACA recipients, their families, and millions of other immigrants whose contributions to the United States make our country immeasurably better and stronger.

Successive administrations have repeatedly pushed the limits of executive authority while deeply divided factions in our country have used the Courts as battlegrounds to exert pressure and attempt to shape policy. This must end. The lives of those caught in this cat-and-mouse policy making status quo deserve better. DACA recipients, as well as millions of other immigrants, contribute to our country, its successes, and its growth on a daily basis. Many have been on the frontlines of battling the COVID-19 pandemic, and many more will work to make us whole as we attempt to re-open and move forward from the last 17 months.  We call on our Congressional representatives to put rhetoric aside and come together to find long-term, meaningful solutions that provide permanent protections for our immigrant communities, recognizing their deep and vast contributions to our economy, our culture, and our national identity. ” 

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Immigrant ARC is a collaborative of over 80 organizations and professional associations providing legal services to New York’s immigrant communities throughout the State and working on increasing access to justice for all.