Court Challenges Threaten Future of DACA Program

Cesar Adame, a teacher in Waco, Texas, credits the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program with enabling his educational and professional success as an undocumented immigrant. DACA allows individuals brought to the U.S. as children to work and study without fear of deportation, but its future is uncertain due to a recent legal challenge in a Texas federal court, which claims the program is unlawfully implemented. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is currently reviewing this case, which impacts over half a million Dreamers, with many expressing their frustration and anxiety about the program's potential termination. Advocates argue that DACA has provided vital protections and opportunities for young immigrants, while opponents cite state costs related to education and healthcare as justification for the lawsuit. As legal battles continue, the Biden administration is attempting to codify DACA, but new applications remain suspended. The looming threat of mass deportation also adds to the anxiety faced by undocumented immigrants, especially amidst the upcoming elections.