SILVER SPRING, Maryland — Yesterday, the 5th Circuit Court affirmed a lower court’s ruling that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, was unlawful. It remanded the case back to the lower court to rule on the final DACA regulation issued by the Biden administration in August 2022. The decision maintains protections for current DACA recipients and allows for renewals, but the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services is still prevented from approving DACA requests from initial applicants. 

“This decision is wrong and only exacerbates the uncertainty felt by current and potential DACA recipients,” said CLINIC Executive Director Anna Gallagher. “DACA recipients are our neighbors, friends, family members and coworkers. They are vital members of our communities. Most importantly, as Catholics, we know they are our brothers and sisters. It is imperative that Congress enacts permanent legislative solutions so they can live and work in the U.S. — free from fear or threat of deportation.” 

The federal government is likely to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. CLINIC stands ready to support our affiliate network while they assist, inform and educate DACA recipients and their families as further developments arise. 

To stay informed about future DACA news, please subscribe to our topline immigration policy updates newsletter.