A federal district court in Brownsville, Texas has just issued a preliminary injunction preventing USCIS from accepting requests for the expansion of DACA on February 18, as originally planned. US Immigration & White House vowed to fight the ruling and the appeal will be at the 5th Circuit Court in New Orleans, Louisana.
The following is a gist of a statement by Secretary Jeh C. Johnson Concerning the District Court’s Ruling on DAPA and DACA
- I strongly disagree with Judge Hanen’s decision to temporarily enjoin implementation of Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The Department of Justice will appeal that temporary injunction; in the meantime, we recognize we must comply with it.
- Accordingly, the Department of Homeland Security will not begin accepting requests for the expansion of DACA tomorrow, February 18, as originally planned. Until further notice, we will also suspend the plan to accept requests for DAPA.
- The Department of Justice, legal scholars, immigration experts and even other courts have said that our actions are well within our legal authority. Our actions will also benefit the economy and promote law enforcement. We fully expect to ultimately prevail in the courts, and we will be prepared to implement DAPA and expanded DACA once we do.
- It is important to emphasize what the District Court’s order does not affect.
- The Court’s order does not affect the existing DACA. Individuals may continue to come forward and request initial grant of DACA or renewal of DACA pursuant to the guidelines established in 2012.
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