In late August 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule to preserve and strengthen the federal government’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. What does this ruling mean for New Jersey residents allowed to stay in the United States under DACA provisions?
DACA recipients better assured of remaining in the United States
Under DACA policy, non-citizens who arrived in the United States as children can receive a two-year renewable work permit that allows them to stay in the United States without the threat of deportation. Although DACA recipients technically remain undocumented immigrants, the program was widely regarded as a pathway for these individuals to become U.S. citizens. Over 800,000 young people are part of the program, with many of them regarding the United States as their home country as they left too early to remember their homeland.
This final ruling will codify DACA and go into effect on October 31, 2022. What this means is that thousands of people who feared over the last several years that the program would end may be able to pursue their dream of full citizenship. The ruling maintains DACA’s existing threshold and retains the existing process for DACA recipients seeking work permits.
What will happen to my immigration status?
After the October 2022 implementation, the status of deferred action recipents could once again change rapidly, especially with the current administration’s favorable attitude toward immigrants. However, as of now, if you are one of the Dreamers, your path to citizenship is still unclear as true immigration reform is needed to enable you to get a permanent green card.
Remember to renew your permit to remain in the United States to work or attend school. Until reform occurs, it’s the best way for you to avoid having to return to your home country.
