DACA Program Faces Pivotal Legal Challenge

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has protected undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children from deportation and provided them work permits, is facing a pivotal legal challenge at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Texas and other Republican-led states have argued that the program incurs significant costs for states in healthcare and education, claiming they have the standing to sue. However, the Biden administration and DACA supporters counter that these states have not demonstrated direct harm from the policy. The case, which has already seen a series of legal battles since its inception in 2012, could potentially reach the Supreme Court. Current DACA recipients can renew their status, but new applicants have been barred since 2021 due to ongoing legal challenges. With the fate of the program uncertain, advocates are calling for congressional action to provide a path to citizenship for 'Dreamers'.