DACA Immigration Program Ruled Unlawful but Maintains Its Status for Now

September 14, 2023

On Wednesday, September 13, 2023, a federal judge yet again declared the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration program unlawful but did not order a complete termination of DACA.

In a ruling similar to his 2021 decision, Judge Andrew Hanen of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas has found President Biden’s administration’s effort to turn the DACA policy into federal regulation unlawful. In addition to his unlawful finding, Judge Hanen has refrained from ordering officials to terminate deportation protections and work permits allowed under the DACA program.  Meaning these immigration benefits remain intact for all current DACA beneficiaries for now, although the program remains closed to new applicants.

The Biden Administration is expected to appeal this ruling likely leading to a hearing before the Supreme Court of the United States.

Please contact the immigration attorney at LHSCD working on your case to discuss what this ruling’s effect may have on you or a family member’s case. Or, to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys, please fill out our Consultation Request Form.

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