FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Emerald Isle Immigration Center’s Executive Director Siobhan Dennehy expressed “disappointment” that late yesterday a federal district court judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction which temporarily blocks the implementation of the President’s executive actions. Specifically, the decision places on hold the expansion of the deferred action for childhood arrivals program (DACA) and the deferred action program for parents of US citizen and permanent resident children (DACA). The Administration is moving quickly to appeal the judge’s decision, but it means that tomorrow’s start date for the expansion of the DACA program will be delayed for at least several weeks. The DAPA program was not scheduled to be open until mid to late May and may be delayed as well.
The ruling does not affect those who qualify under the original DACA program announced in 2012 who are applying to renew their status or filing an initial application. Those who were granted DACA and currently hold work permits are also not affected stated John Stahl Esq, EIIC Immigration Attorney and Director of Legal Services.
“The challenges and threats to immigration reform may continue. But in the meanwhile the successful applicants will be wise to gather documents, not travel and not give up hope” stated Immigration Attorney & EIIC Vice Chair, Frank Schorn.
This unfortunate decision is a temporary setback and will only slow down the implementation of these programs. It should not deter those who qualify under these programs from gathering the necessary documents and information and remain in the United States in anticipation of further more favorable developments in the coming months. Potential applicants should secure reliable advice from qualified immigration counsel and beware of immigration scams.