The country celebrates the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, allowing more than 700,000 DACA beneficiaries to continue working in the United States and maintain their protection from deportation. In a 5-4 vote, the Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration’s attempt to terminate DACA violated the law and was “arbitrary and capricious.”
We welcome the decision with joy but also caution
Reactions After Supreme Court Victory
This is an important victory for our immigrant youth, just days after DACA’s 8th anniversary, after years of fierce advocacy on behalf of all DACA holders. The Supreme Court showed a commendable capacity to rise above partisan lines to give relief to DACA recipients.
Gustavo Torres, CASA executive director
Now What
The most important thing is to recognize that we have won. Over eight years of struggle, an effort by many CASA members who sacrificed their time and resources to meet with their members of Congress, speak to journalists, share their stories, march and protest.
To the DACA holders who have not yet felt it, I say that the fight is worth it. Losing a few hours of work does not compare with the benefit organizing and mobilizing for this issue can have. It doesn’t compare to the peace of mind one can get. I can’t say anything but: it is worth investing time into because we are worth it.
– Maricruz, future criminal lawyer earning a bachelor’s degree in Baltimore, plaintiff against the administration of President Trump for canceling the program, DACA beneficiary.
The decision explained
Following this Supreme Court decision, the country is left with the DACA program as presented in 2012 under President Obama.
The Supreme Court agrees with many of our arguments. President Trump’s decision to cancel DACA was “arbitrary and capricious,” meaning that the administration did not think about the impact it would have in terminating it. We informed the Court that DACA beneficiaries depend on this program: The government told DACA holders that they will be safe from deportation – that they can study, work, and buy homes. Thus DACA beneficiaries built their lives trusting what the government promised. When President Trump tried to take everything away, he didn’t think about any of that; he didn’t consider it. The Supreme Court said that is illegal: that he cannot do that and he has to consider DACA beneficiaries.
President Trump cannot appeal this decision because the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land and has full authority: the administration has nowhere to turn to for an appeal.
Apply for the first time or renew your status
This decision means that in time the Trump administration will have to accept applications for the DACA program. So those who were excluded from the program after the President canceled it may for the first time have the opportunity to change their lives and earn the work and study permit offered by the program.
To renew, contact a trusted attorney or call CASA to begin your renewal.
The president is mad
The president has said he will fight and find another reason to cancel the program once again. CASA will of course defend the program as many times as necessary until the President accepts that DACA holders and their families are here to stay. President Trump must accept and obey the decision, acknowledge he was wrong, and look for a way for a permanent solution for them and also their families.
CASA Members and Allies Fight for DACA for Years
CASA Members in the News
Angel Romero, Luis Aguilar en Washington Post: Behind ‘Defund the Police’ and ‘Abolish ICE’ is a shared hope: that more dads make it home
Jorge Benitez-Perez, Jose Aguiluz en PBS News Hour: After Supreme Court ruling, what’s next for American ‘Dreamers’
Gabriela Hernandez en Nexstar News Wire: 5-4: SCOTUS rules for the Dreamers
Mitzi Colin-Lopez en Lancaster Online: Cautious relief as Supreme Court rejects efforts to end legal protections for young immigrants
Mitzi Colin-Lopez en Penn Capital Star: ‘I know my path:’ With Supreme Court’s DACA decision, central Pa. teen future looks to a bright and safe future
Mitzi Colin-Lopez en WFMZ 69: Local DACA recipient reacts to Supreme Court ruling
Arlette Morales en PA Post: ‘I don’t think it has hit me yet’ — DACA decision a cause for celebration
Arlette Morales en York Daily Record: Photos: DACA victory rally on Continental Square in York
Thaís Carrero en WFMZ 69: Corte Suprema desestima esfuerzos para eliminar DACA
Thaís Carrero en Univision: Trump quiere usar el revés sufrido con DACA como arma para movilizar el voto conservador
Yatciri Cruz, Laila Fisher, Thais Carrero en La Voz Latina Central: Community gathers to celebrate DACA victory
Jorge Benitez-Perez en PGCTV: DACA Supreme Court
Jorge Benitez-Perez en CBN News: Supreme Court Gives DACA Thumbs Up, Trump Thumbs Down
Gustavo Torres, Ángel Silva, Eliseo Magos. Mónica Camacho Pérez en Efe News Wire: Fiesta, regocijo y cánticos por DACA en la explanada del Tribunal Supremo
Gustavo Torres, Jorge Benitez-Perez, Gabriela Hernandez en NBC 4 DC: DC-Area DACA Recipients Celebrate Supreme Court Ruling
Jesus Perez, Jonathan Rodas, Jose Aguiluz, Nick Katz en WJZ 13 NBC: Maryland Dreamers Celebrate Supreme Court’s DACA Ruling
Jonathan Rodas, Missael Garcia en Baltimore Sun: Baltimore DACA recipients breathe a sigh of relief after Supreme Court rules in their favor
800,000
approximate number of DACA recipients who work, study, and live in the United States
$2 mil millones
The financial contribution of DACA recipients each year, in state and local taxes, including personal income, property, sales, and excise taxes.
43,500
DACA recipients working in the health care and social care industries, including 10,300 in hospitals and 2,000 in nursing facilities
