28 Apr A DACA supreme court decision awaits…
Every Monday and Thursday for the past few weeks, DACA recipients wake to the possibility that they will lose their protected status due to the pending Supreme Court decision. As another Monday passes, the uncertainty continues for DACA recipients. Ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program now would leave many mixed-status families at risk during this COVID-19 pandemic. Not delaying a decision so life-altering as this is unjust.
Aside from putting families at danger, a decision has the probability of cutting the job authorization of 700,000. Many DACA recipients are frontline, essential workers, putting their lives on the line for everyone else. DACA recipients make up 27,000 of the health care workers in the US that are helping combat COVID-19. During this time of crisis, adding status uncertainty on top of everything is the last thing we need right now. Deportation shouldn’t be on anyone’s mind while dealing with potential job loss or loss of a family member. Those fears intensified after reports of ICE continuing raids during shelter-in-place orders and other reports of ICE having a database of DACA recipients’ personal information.
While we wait for the decision, DACA recipients should continue to renew their DACA as soon as possible. Despite the COVID-19 related closing of the USCIS offices, they will process applications using past biometrics.
If you need help filling out the application, we have people on staff who can help you. In addition, we also have our Las Vegas DREAM Fund, where you can donate and help us give out scholarships to cover the renewal fees. Please reach out to us at amgixs@maketheroadnv.org to see how we can support you.