Supreme Court to Rule on DACA: What You Need to Know

   

        Under DACA, children who were brought to the U.S. who grew up as Americans, who nevertheless do not have legal status, can legally obtain a work permit and avoid deportation under the program. Only certain individuals qualify. For instance, individuals must meet the following criteria:

·         Individuals must be under 31 years of age on June 15, 2012

·         Individuals must have been brought to the U.S. before their 16^th birthday

·         Individuals must be continual residents of the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the present

·         Individuals must be physically present when making a DACA request

·         Individuals must have entered the U.S. without inspection before June 15, 2012, or have expired status as of June 15, 2012

·         Individuals must have no felony or serious misdemeanor crimes on record

According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the DACA program has been temporarily stopped until the Supreme Court rules on the legality of the program. Individuals already protected under the 2012 DACA program are not affected. However, if you are being detained or are facing deportation, you may have certain protections until the Supreme Court makes its ruling. For instance, if you are currently under detention, you may qualify for release if you meet DACA requirements. If you are having difficulty speaking to your case officer or believe you are being held and qualify for DACA, an immigration lawyer may be able to assist you. Visit www.immigration.net to learn more.

            The Supreme Court will rule on DACA over the next several weeks. The ruling, according to Fusion, will affect millions of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., many of which are children and many of whom were brought illegally into the country by their parents when they were children.

            The Supreme Court ruling, even if it rules in favor of DACA, will still only be a temporary measure for the millions of undocumented immigrants who continue to have no clear path to citizenship. While DACA stops deportation proceedings and while it offers individuals a temporary work permit, it doesn’t take away the uncertainty under which many undocumented immigrants and children live.

            For many supporters of DACA, the ultimate hope is for real immigration reform that will offer them more permanent rights and solutions. Ultimately, for these millions of Americans, the next election cycle will have an immense impact on whether these individuals will receive protection and rights.

            For many Americans who currently have DACA protections, DACA means that they do not have to live in fear of deportation and ICE, that they can work, pay taxes, and legally contribute to their communities and to society.

            Currently, many states offer solutions for undocumented immigrants and children. It is a well-noted fact that undocumented immigrants pay taxes and contribute immensely to the economy. According to a recent study performed by the Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy, undocumented immigrants pay $11.64 billion in taxes each year. DACA and other programs could add an additional $804 million to the tax base each year.

Immigration lawyers and human rights activists await the Supreme Court’s decision. If you believe you may qualify for DACA, contact the immigration lawyers at Kuck Immigration Partners today to learn more. We can help you gather documents and help you get your affairs in order so that you can submit your application if, and once, ICE begins reviewing applications again.