Today, the Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration from cancelling the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This ruling is a victory not only for dreamers but for all immigrants nationwide. We stand with every dreamer and every family whose lives have been impacted for the past three years. We are thrilled and share their sense of relief.

DACA, a program put in place in 2012 by the Obama administration, allows young people raised without legal immigration status to apply for temporary status, gain protections against deportation, and have authorization to work. However, the two-year renewable status does not provide a path to citizenship. Since the start of the current administration, these young people have been in legal limbo. Dismantling DACA is a conversation that surfaced in 2017 and has since threatened the future of thousands of people living, working, and paying taxes in the United States.

The International Institute of New England is a longtime advocate of immigrant and refugee rights. We have witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact that immigrants and their children have on our economy. IINE has had the privilege to work with and support clients and friends impacted by this program. Dreamers and their families are brilliant students, talented workers, and job creators that bring the wealth of their perspectives and talents to the table.

IINE’s legal program provides affordable legal assistance to immigrants and helps them navigate through complicated legal processes. With this decision, our experienced legal team can take on DACA renewal applications.  We urge all eligible DACA applicants to apply to renew their status and take advantage of the benefits that come with it.

IINE champions the Supreme Court’s decision to block the current administration’s attempt to dismantle DACA. Today’s decision lifts a tremendous burden off the shoulders of dreamers and their families. But this should not stop here, as a more sustainable solution needs to be implemented to give these young people a path towards permanent legal status and a chance at a life unimpeded by a lingering two-year deadline.