What Does The End Of DACA Mean?

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The DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) plan may soon cease to exist. There was a lot of confusion about the plan within its lifetime, and there’s sure to be even more if it all comes to an end. What does the end of DACA mean for individuals staying in America under its protection?

What Is DACA?

Under DACA, nearly 800,000 young folks who came into the country undocumented before they turned 16 were temporarily protected from deportation and given authorization to work within the U.S. These young individuals are referred to as Dreamers, based on an acronym for the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act. But, even if DACA ends doesn’t mean Dreamers are going to be subject to instant deportation. Dreamers ought to assess their options and requirements as soon as they can.

The Argument Against DACA

While DACA recipients technically aren’t documented, under DACA they have the ability to get driver’s licenses, obtain work permits and enroll in college. They also must pay income tax through this plan. However, one main flaw in the plan is that it doesn’t provide viable ways for them to become legal residents or U.S. citizens.

Essentially, conservatives have a desire for tighter immigration regulations, and they see DACA as a problem source contributing therein. Most conservatives see DACA as amnesty rather than a right of undocumented immigrants.

What Does The End Of DACA Mean For Dreamers?

Currently, Dreamers are still getting DACA protection. The government honors and recognizes Dreamers’ work permits until their expiration dates. All DACA applications that were received by Sept. 5 were processed, and Dreamers whose status expires by Mar. 5, 2018 were eligible to apply for a two-year permit.

As lawmakers proposed bipartisan efforts that protect Dreamers, bills stalled within Congress. If Congress doesn’t craft an alternative to maintaining DACA, 300,000 individuals will be at risk for deportation in 2018, and more by 2019.

Rights Of Dreamers

If Congress reaches a DACA agreement by March, there are numerous rights Dreamers will retain.

  • You may work until the expiration date of the permit.
  • You aren’t required to inform an employer that DACA ended, and you don’t have to inform them that you’re a program recipient.
  • As soon as possible, apply for a social security number while the work permit is valid. You’ll have the ability to use the SSN for housing, banking, educational and additional purposes. You need a valid work permit to utilize the SSN for employment.

If you are a Dreamer and have concerns regarding your citizenship status or immigration status, contact an attorney.