top of page
Search

Rumors That Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Will End

The media has reported speculation that in the coming days President Trump will end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative.

There are different ways the Trump administration could end DACA, if they choose to do so:

  1. Allow DACA to “sunset,” meaning that those who already have DACA and a work permit would be protected from deportation and permitted to work until it expires.

  2. A more problematic option would be to end DACA immediately. This option would invalidate all issued deferrals of deportation and work permits. It would place nearly 800,000 DACA recipients at risk for deportation.

There is also the troubling possibility that DACA applicants’ personal information, including addresses, could be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Although ICE doesn’t have the resources to visit every DACA recipient’s home, it’s unclear if they could legally use the information from DACA applications to enforce immigration.

DACA recipients with an existing deportation order or criminal record would be more vulnerable than others.

EVERYONE should take steps to prepare themselves for the worse. Two very important actions you can take are:

  1. Dreamers should seek the advice and representation of competent legal counsel. Develop a plan of action and be ready to act! Call us; the experienced immigration attorneys at Antonini & Cohen can help.

  2. Contact your US Senators and Representatives. Encourage them to support and pass Senate Bill 1615: The Dream Act of 2017.

United We Dream has provided tips on how DACA beneficiaries can protect themselves if they are at risk of ICE apprehensions. Here are some of their suggestions:

Do Not Open Your Doors. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can’t legally enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge. With your door shut, ask ICE to slide the signed warrant under the door or push it up against a window. They cannot come in unless you let them.

Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent. ICE can use anything you say against you in immigration court. It’s important for you to remain silent and ask to speak to your attorney. Tell the immigration officer: “I am exercising my Fifth Amendment right and choosing to remain silent until I speak to my attorney.”