The DACA program, designed to protect eligible immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children from deportation, faced a significant judicial setback recently.
According to Fox News, a federal appeals court has determined that the 2022 DACA revision by President Biden's administration exceeded its executive powers.
The ruling was issued by a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals based in New Orleans, marking another chapter in the ongoing legal scrutiny of DACA. This panel consisted of two judges nominated by Republican presidents and one nominated by a Democrat.
The court expressly stated that the changes made by the Biden administration to the DACA program, originally introduced in 2012 by President Barack Obama, unlawfully expanded executive authority.
While the decision blocks the administration from accepting new DACA applications, existing beneficiaries remain unaffected for the time being. These individuals are still eligible to renew their temporary permits, which enable them to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation.
Reacting to the decision, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who represented the Republican-led states challenging DACA, expressed his satisfaction with the ruling. Paxton highlighted the perceived overreach of executive power in implementing the program's changes.
The DACA program has been before the Supreme Court twice; initially in 2016, which resulted in a deadlock, and most recently in 2020. In the latter instance, the Court found that the Trump administration's attempt to end DACA was improper.
Given the controversy and the significant population affected—approximately 500,000 known as Dreamers—the recent court decision could prompt yet another review by the Supreme Court.
Before sharing a longer quote from Attorney General Paxton, it's important to note that his response illustrates the competing views on DACA's legality and its broader implications on U.S. immigration policy.
"I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump to ensure that the rule of law is restored, and the illegal immigration crisis is finally stopped."
This controversial decision underscores the ongoing debate over the scope of executive authority and the legislative branch's role in U.S. immigration law.
The ruling does not only prevent new DACA enrollments but sets the stage for potential future legislative or judicial actions that might ultimately decide the fate of the program and its beneficiaries.
As the situation evolves, stakeholders on all sides of the issue are watching closely, knowing that the outcome could significantly affect U.S. immigration policy and the lives of hundreds of thousands of undocumented residents in the country.
In conclusion, this decision by the federal appeals court adds another layer of complexity to DACA's legal saga, leaving the program's future uncertain and the status of Dreamers in limbo. While it blocks new applications, the ability of current enrollees to renew their membership provides a temporary safeguard as the legal battle over DACA potentially gears up for another Supreme Court showdown.
