As expected, Judge Hanen has issued an order that is out of sync with other legal interpretations on #DACA and effectively halts the program for new applicants. A thread on what the order does -- & doesn’t -- mean 1/8
First, the order should underscore for everyone watching that the clock ⏰ is ticking for Congress to act on #immigration. They needed to act 20 years ago, and they REALLY need to act now. But here’s what folks need to know now 2/8
Current DACA recipients are safe for now. While the order vacates the entire program, the Court has said that DHS can continue to process renewals for now. We don’t know how long this will last, so if you’ve been waiting to renew, make sure to do it now. 3/8
Hopeful DACA recipients who have submitted their applications for the 1st time may be in limbo. Under this order, the applications would be held, but they cannot be processed. If you have not yet gotten your first DACA approval, USCIS may not be able to move your app forward. 4/8
There are tens of thousands of people in this category. Each of their lives are valid, and each of them could be needlessly hurt by this order. My heart is with folks like one of our plaintiffs who submitted her first app in months ago and is still waiting on approval. 5/8
Folks thinking about applying for DACA for the first time should speak with trusted community orgs or legal service providers. The Texas court said that USCIS can continue to accept new apps, but they cannot process them. Check with trusted folks to see what’s right for you. 6/8
Judge Hanen is not the only court dealing with #DACA. I am proud to be part of the Batalla case with our plaintiffs and @WiracYls @MaketheRoadNY @NILC. 7/8
The court order is long & attempts to hide behind legalese, but the direction of the court is clear: it says the DACA 2012 memo is not valid. Hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients’ livelihoods shouldn’t be at the mercy of a lone court in Texas. Congress, it’s your move./end
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