For Immediate Release

 |
Catherine Lee

DACA Renewals Remain in Place Despite 5th Circuit Ruling and Trump’s Looming Inauguration

Current DACA recipients continue to have access to work permits and can and should continue to renew their applications.
Contact: press@unitedwedream.org

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals released a decision in the State of Texas’ lawsuit that attempts to end the DACA program, claiming that the latest DACA rule is unlawful while simultaneously limiting the effect of their ruling in several major ways. All current DACA recipients –including recipients who live in Texas– are still protected, authorized to work, and can renew their applications. It also remains that as of right now, no new DACA applications will be processed. This decision underscores the urgent need for Congress to act immediately to provide permanent protections for immigrant youth. 

United We Dream urges all current DACA recipients to continue renewing and to speak to a lawyer or accredited legal service provider as the political landscape could change quickly, especially after January 20, 2025; further emphasizing the need for bold congressional action now.

Greisa Martinez Rosas, Executive Director of United We Dream, said:

“Today’s 5th Circuit decision continues to baselessly attack immigrant young people, while also proving that our communities are essential to the economy and the future of the United States. This is why the 5th Circuit Court has kept renewals alive. The Court’s insistence on attacking DACA is especially concerning given that today, the Republican-led Congress passed Senate Bill S.5 with 10 Democratic votes, a bill that will put the lives of millions of people in danger of racial profiling as well as inhumane and indefinite detention. All the while, Trump is set to take office in just two days, pledging to carry out destructive mass raids and deportations quickly and forcefully.  

The pieces of Trump’s destructive agenda have been laid out clearly. Congress cannot continue to wilfully ignore Trump’s goal to target as many immigrants as possible and wreak complete havoc on families, cities, local economies, workplaces, and more nationwide. We demand Congress find a way to urgently pass permanent protections for as many people as possible, and for elected officials at every single level – from Governors, Mayors, and more – to seize every opportunity to reject Trump’s agenda now and immediately shore up protections for immigrants nationwide.”

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United We Dream is the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation; made up of a multi-racial and multi-ethnic network of 1.2 million members, over 100 local groups, and a reach of over 5 million per month. UWD’s vision is to push for just policies that allow everyone to thrive regardless of immigration status. United We Dream is fighting for a multi-racial democracy that works for everyone by building a movement of young people who organize and advocate for the dignity and justice of immigrants and communities of color. You can find more at www.unitedwedream.org.

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