Chicago – January 18, 2025
A federal appeals court has ruled against a policy that provides protection to young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally. The policy, known as DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), was created under President Obama in 2012.
It allows these immigrants, often called “Dreamers,” to stay in the U.S., work, and avoid deportation. The recent court decision challenges a 2022 update to the policy made by President Biden, ruling that the changes went beyond what the president is allowed to do.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in New Orleans, made the decision with three judges, including both Republican and Democratic appointees. While this ruling does not immediately affect the current Dreamers, it stops the government from accepting new applications for DACA. This decision could lead to another appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The ruling came just days before President-elect Trump was set to take office, with plans to focus on deporting immigrants who are in the country illegally. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who led the challenge against DACA, called the court’s ruling a big win for his side.
