In January 2016, the Supreme Court decided to hear the challenge for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs. President Obama proposed these programs in November of 2014.
If DAPA and DACA goes into effect, it would assist in deferring deportation for as many as five million immigrants. Note that DACA and DAPA would not necessarily guarantee citizenship or permanent residency. However, it would allow immigrants who have been residing in the U.S. for a long period of time, have roots tied to the U.S., or have established ties to the U.S.
26 states banded together, bringing a claim to challenge President Obama's programs, in a lawsuit: The United States v. Texas. The Supreme Court will begin hearing the case this June. The lawsuit alleges whether or not the actions are constitutional. There is some question, as well, as to whether or not President Obama wielded too much executive weight in deciding on these programs without Congress input.
Many immigrant groups may have expected to benefit from these programs, including farm workers and many Latino workers. The fact of the matter is that there have not been a high number of applicants for either DACA or DAPA. Furthermore, as this is an executive order, there is the chance that these orders could be struck down by the president to be elected later in 2016.
If you have any questions about these immigration relief programs or would like to know more about your legal options, please do not hesitate to discuss your case with Simon Law Group, PLLC. As an immigrant and native of Chile, he knows the immigration experience first-hand, and can draw from that insight to assist you.
Call our Houston immigration lawyer today at (713) 839-0639.
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