Yesterday Judge Hanen of the Federal Court for the Southern District of Texas in Brownsville, Texas entered an order that has temporarily halted the implementation of the expansion of the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program and the new DAPA (Deferred Action for Parental Accountability) program. So the question–
What does this order for families here in Indiana?
Here are five important facts about it:
1. Judge Hanen has not made a final decision in the case-this order delays expansion of the DACA and DAPA programs temporarily while the case against these programs continues in court.
2. Legal experts think there is great possibility that the Federal Court of Appeal will reject the order so that DACA and DAPA programs can move forward.
3. This does not affect people in Indiana who already have their DACA or are in the process of obtaining or renewing their DACA. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services will still be accepting applications for DACA under the requirements announced on June 15, 2012.
4. For people who only qualify under the enlargement of DACA (those older than 31 on June 15, 2012, for example) will have to wait to submit their applications. While the order is in force Judge Hanen, USCIS will not accept applications for the expansion of DACA–these people should stay informed to see when they will be able to submit their applications.
5. Hoosiers who qualify for the new DAPA program (for parents of citizens or residents), the program is also paused; however they should continue gathering evidence and documents to prepare. We hope it will not delay the expected date on which applications for DAPA will be accepted –the end of May.
So, do not despair because of the order, as it’s just a temporary pause in the progress of the DAPA program and the expansion of DACA. We await the resolution of this issue and the beginning of these programs. Meanwhile, keep well-informed.
If you have questions about DACA, expanded DACA or DAPA do not hesitate to contact us!