Trump administration to begin accepting new DACA applications
The Department of Homeland Security on Monday said it will begin accepting new applications for the “Dreamers” program that shields from deportation certain immigrants who were brought to the US illegally as children.
The notice posted on the DHS website came after a federal judge in New York ordered the Trump administration to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) on Friday.
Despite complying with the order issued by Judge Nicholas Garaufis, the department indicated it may appeal the decision.
“DHS will comply with Judge Garaufis’ order while it remains in effect, but DHS may seek relief from the order,” it said.
Still, the announcement was a win for many young people who have been unable to apply to the program since President Trump moved to end it in 2017.
The US Supreme Court ruled in June that the Trump administration violated federal law in how it scrapped the program.
Acting DHS secretary Chad Wolf then said that new DACA applications would be halted while the administration studied its options.
Garaufis ruled that Wolf was unlawfully serving in his position. He gave the administration three days to post a public notice that new DACA applications were being accepted.
In its notice, the DHS said it will accept first-time DACA requests, as well as petitions for two-year renewals and requests for permission to temporarily leave the country.
DACA — which was started in 2012 during the Obama administration — shields about 650,000 people from deportation and makes them eligible for work permits.
President-elect Joe Biden has pledged to reinstate DACA when he takes office in January. However, providing permanent legal status and a path to citizenship would require congressional approval.
With Post wires
