FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Wednesday, September 13, 2023 

Media Contact: media@theyoungcenter.org 

Washington D.C.— Today, Judge Andrew Hanen of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that the Biden administration’s attempts to codify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program into a federal regulation was unlawful.  

Judge Hanen’s ruling does NOT affect the status of current DACA recipients. As of now, DACA remains intact for current recipients and renewals will continue to be processed. First time DACA applications are not being processed, which has been the case for some time.  

We expect the Biden Administration to appeal Judge Hanen’s decision in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals and the case is likely to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. But as the case works its way through the courts, we recognize the disruption it will bring to the lives of so many people.  

Erika Andiola, DACA Recipient and Communications Director at the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, said: 

"Since the moment immigrants like me fought and won DACA in 2012, the program has been under attack. Judge Hanen has ruled against DACA before and today’s ruling is unfortunately of little surprise. For years, DACA has been punted back and forth in a legal battle that has always been a reminder that our communities need and deserve more; we deserve to live full, safe lives in the places we call home, with the people we call home. Permanent protections would provide this security.  

I am proud to be among the first recipients of DACA, but now, over a decade later, I know and work alongside young immigrants who have been blocked from applying to DACA and are unable to get work permits or support for school because of these legal attacks. DACA can and will never be enough as long as people in our families and communities are left out. This is the time for Congress to finally deliver permanent protections for all of us who know our home is here.” 

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The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights is a non-profit organization that protects and advances the rights and best interests of immigrant children and advocates for an immigration system that treats children as children first. For press inquiries, please contact Anabel Mendoza at media@theyoungcenter.org