Moments ago, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, commonly known as DACA. The rescission of DACA has been billed as a necessary way to enforce the "Rule of Law", and has been promoted as an "orderly winding down" of the generally popular program established by President Barack Obama in 2012.
Today's announcement ended months of speculation about the fate of the program, which had allowed qualifying applicants to have their removal/deportation deferred in light of having been brought to the United States as children. The rescission decision eliminates eligibility for new DACA applications, and provides for limited adjudication of renewals already filed with USCIS. Acting USCIS Secretary Elaine Duke's Memorandum is available here.
In the meantime, we will monitor developing news closely, while paying special attention to potential legal action on the part of the ACLU, some states' Attorneys General, and other parties who will take on the mantle of challenging this action. We also encourage everyone with an opinion on this issue to contact their Senators and Representatives, and express support for some version of the DREAM Act, which would provide the legislative fix which has been lacking for decades. The Capitol Switchboard number is (202) 224-3121.
For our part, we want to help in any way possible. To that end, we are offering a free assessment to any current DACA beneficiary between now and September 30, 2017. Email us at [email protected] to request an appointment.