When President Obama created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, many people felt a wave of relief wash over them. DACA has allowed roughly 742,000 people who were brought to the U.S. as minors to seek higher education, obtain meaningful work that pays a fair wage, and stop worrying about being imminently deported from the country they call home.
In light of the recent election, however, many people in Colorado are living in fear, again, wondering whether the next president will continue to allow them to live in the U.S.
What has Trump said?
Throughout his campaign, Donald Trump has taken a tough stance on immigration. He called for a wall to be built between the U.S. and Mexico, and he spoke of creating deportation forces to remove undocumented immigrants.
He has also promised to repeal DACA.
What will actually happen?
At this point, it is difficult to know exactly what Trump will decide to do with DACA. Some members of his transition team believe DACA should go, which could influence how he will approach the program.
Repealing DACA would be fairly easy because it was signed into law as an executive action. Trump would not need the support of congress to do away with it.
Since being elected, however, Trump has also said he plans to work on securing the border first. He added that he intends to focus initial deportation efforts on those with criminal records.
If Trump holds true to these statements, it could mean many people who qualified for DACA would be safe for the time being. In order to qualify for the program, you cannot have a serious criminal record.
Should you apply for DACA now?
With the future of DACA unclear, it may be best to speak with an immigration attorney before applying. Should the program be repealed, having your name connected to it could lead to unwanted exposure.
What if you already benefit from DACA?
If you have already been approved to stay in the U.S. under DACA, it may also be wise to speak with an attorney about your options should DACA be repealed. There may be other ways for you to remain in the U.S. lawfully.
At Ramos Immigration Law, we know that you may be worried about your future and the future of your family. We are here to help. We know that going back to your country of origin is not an option. We will fight to protect your immigration status and to keep your family together.