According to reporting from Boston 25 News, there is cautious optimism among Dreamers and immigrant rights groups in Massachusetts for the Biden immigration agenda. Many people are hopeful that his presidency will amount to a full restoration—and, potentially, an expansion—of DACA protections.
According to official data from the Migration Policy Institute (MPI), there are currently around 5,490 Dreamers in Massachusetts. Another 10,000 people are likely eligible for DACA benefits. Here, our Boston DACA attorney highlights four key things that Dreamers should know about where the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program currently stands and what the future may hold.
A Federal Court Recently Ordered the Government to Take New DACA Applications
The Trump Administration was never supportive of DACA. President Trump repeatedly made efforts to end the program. Though, DACA was ultimately saved by the Supreme Court in June of 2020. More recently, a federal court ordered the government to re-open the program to new applicants and not just renewals. However, further litigation on the issue was scheduled. Undoubtedly, President Trump would have made additional attempts to undermine DACA had he won a second term. With President Biden taking office, the executive branch will no longer be pursuing the lawsuits to end or restrict DACA.
President Biden Signs Day-One Order to Protect DACA
On January 20th, 2021, Joe Biden officially assumed the office of President of the United States. On his first day, President Biden announced 15 executive orders. Several of these executive actions were immigration-related, including one order pertaining directly to DACA. The president has ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to take all appropriate steps to protect the Obama-era DACA program.
DACA Remains an Inadequate “Stopgap Measure”—There is Hope for the Future
As important as the DACA protections are, Dreamers still need a more permanent solution. DACA was always meant as a bridge to a better and more equitable future. In announcing the program, President Barack Obama called DACA “a temporary stopgap measure that lets us focus our resources wisely while giving a degree of relief and hope to talented, driven, patriotic young people.”
Under the Biden Administration, there is a renewed hope and promise for truly comprehensive immigration reform, including permanent protections and a path to United States citizenship for DACA recipients. In the coming months and years, it is crucial that an emphasis is placed on finding long-term, sustainable solutions for immigrants and their families. Our leaders should be held accountable.
Call Our Boston, MA Immigration Law Attorney for Immediate Legal Help
At Goldstein Immigration Lawyers, our Boston immigration lawyer has the skills and knowledge needed to help clients with DACA applications and DACA renewals. If you have questions about your options, we are available to help. Call our Boston office now for a confidential initial immigration strategy session. We are proud to serve communities throughout New England, including in Northampton, Martha’s Vineyard. Worcester, Manchester, NH, Portland, ME, and Providence, RI.
Sharing is caring:
