Washington, D.C. – Today, Federal District Judge Andrew Hanen ruled the Biden Administration's effort to codify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program unlawful. The court had already determined the program unlawful in a prior ruling. For now, DACA renewals and advanced parole will continue and first-time DACA applications pending at USCIS will continue to be on hold and not processed. 

Ambar Tovar, UFW Foundation’s Directing Attorney, said:

“Judge Hanen’s newest ruling threatens a program that has supported the lives of many young people that were brought as undocumented children to this country. Both the Judge and the state of Texas aim to eliminate the program without having a permanent immigration solution available for these individuals. Until Congress acts and gives Dreamers a path to citizenship, it is paramount that DACA continues. Since 2012, countless Dreamers have benefitted from DACA and has provided them a work permit and allowed them to live without the fear of being separated from their loved ones. Without DACA, members of our communities who contribute so much and are our teachers, neighbors and friends will be at risk of deportation—a pervasive fear most people will never have to endure but that they know too well.”

Jesus Escamilla, DACA recipient and UFW Foundation member, said:  

“This ruling is upsetting. DACA has not only benefited us DACA recipients but this country too. It's incredibly difficult to understand that with today’s decision, the program gets a step closer to its potential end. As a DACA recipient and farm worker, I ask Congress to act now and establish a permanent solution. But until that happens, I will continue to fight for DACA. This program not only protects me from deportation, but has allowed me to work so I can support my family.”

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The UFW Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, advocates for labor rights and protections for farm workers across the U.S. and provides educational outreach and critical services such as immigration legal services to low-income rural California communities. For more information, visit ufwfoundation.org