Daca-eligible immigrants must take immediate action

A federal court in New York recently restored the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program to its form prior to the Trump administration’s attempts to rescind it in 2017. This means that Daca-eligible immigrants can once again apply for protections and DACA recipients who received one-year renewals will automatically have their status extended to two years.

Unfortunately, this victory could be fleeting. A separate case on the legality of the DACA program will soon be heard by Texas Judge Andrew Hanen. If Hanen rules against DACA — and he has a known history of ruling against immigrants — the DACA community could once again be at risk. With protections on the verge of being in put in jeopardy, Daca-eligible immigrants must take immediate action to apply now.

Surveys show that in New York, young immigrants held jobs with better pay and better working conditions once

they took full advantage of DACA, contributing to the quality and growth of our workforce and economy. With deportation protections and work authorizations, DACAeligible individuals have the tools and resources to build a life for themselves and their families while contributing to the diversity and innovation of New York.

As the courts take up this issue, our leaders in Congress and the incoming Biden administration must act to provide a pathway to permanent protections for young immigrants and all those seeking a better life in America.

Scott Karson, Esq.

Albany President, New York State

Bar Association