DACA program on hold after Federal Court ruling

On Friday, July 16, a Federal District Court judge in Texas issued a permanent injunction against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but has temporarily stayed portions of the injunction pertaining to DACA beneficiaries. For those individuals who already hold DACA relief and work authorization, they continue to be protected, but any new applications for DACA benefits cannot be approved. The court decision notes that renewal applications may continue to be filed but will be held until a final decision is made on the future of the program. In the coming days, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to issue further details on the impact of the decision on current DACA beneficiaries. The Biden administration is expected to appeal the ruling likely bringing the outcome eventually to be decided by the Supreme Court.