The great victory of DACA

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.