In response to the Biden Administration’s release of a final rule on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, First Focus on Children President Bruce Lesley issued the following statement:
“We are proud to join immigrant youth and the vast majority of more than 16,000 commenters in stating that DACA is right, legal, and a protection that supports the health and well-being of thousands of children. We are glad that the final rule continues to grant both work permits and protection from deportation to those who qualify for the program. However, this rule does not go far enough in updating the program and protecting the growing number of teenagers who do not qualify for DACA.
For too many years, children have suffered through rapidly shifting policy changes that threaten their family’s stability and security, and prevent them from thriving here in the United States. That DACA remains frozen in time and certain states repeatedly attack the program in the courts illustrates that immigrant young people need more than temporary protections. The American people agree. We urge the Administration and Congress to pass permanent protections for Dreamers and all undocumented people who call this country home.”
The DACA final rule is scheduled to be published on August 30 and to go into effect on October 31. Under a current court order, the Department of Homeland Security cannot grant new first-time DACA applications, but may grant renewal requests. On July 2, 2022 the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on the DACA program, and a decision in the appeal could be issued at any time.