Concern grows over recent DACA ruling

Activists, politicians and even businesses are becoming more concerned about a recent ruling against the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

A federal district court in southern Texas recently ruled the DACA program was unlawful, blocking new applications. The decision was appealed and then reaffirmed by an appellate court in mid-October.

A new rule created by Joe Biden, which goes into effect on October 21, will allow current DACA recipients will be able to renew their status. According to POLITICO, many immigrant rights activists are frustrated with the lack of protection they have received under Biden. They are concerned that a now heavily conservative Supreme Court may overturn DACA.

Advocates are urging Congress to pass legislation that would give Dreamers permanent protection. Several Democrats are doing the same. POLITICO reports that Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) said Biden must “make clear that passing immigration legislation is a priority” before the end of the year.

Activists and politicians are not the only parties seeking to protect Dreamers. Corporations, whose success often depends on immigrant labor, are also pushing for protective legislation.

According to NBC News, Microsoft, Apple, Meta and dozens of other Fortune 500 companies launched an ad campaign on Thursday calling for permanent legal protections for Dreamers. The ad argues that ending DACA would hurt the economy.

“Dreamers are an essential part of the fabric of our nation,” Apple CEO Tim Cook told NBC News. “They make our communities stronger, they make our companies more innovative, and they deserve a right to live in America with dignity. I stand with the bipartisan majority of Americans who agree that granting permanent protections for Dreamers is the right thing to do. It’s time for Congress to act.”