Immigration
DHS Begins Limited Implementation of DACA under Final Rule

WASHINGTON— On Monday, October 31, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule to preserve and fortify Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) went into effect. The final rule’s implementation means that DACA is now based on a formal regulation, thereby preserving and fortifying the program while the program remains the subject of litigation in court. Previously, DACA was based on a policy memorandum that then-DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano issued on August 15, 2012. Since its inception in 2012, DACA has allowed over 800,000 young people to remain with their families in the only country many of them have ever known and continue to contribute to their communities in the United States.
Under the final rule, USCIS will continue to accept and process applications for deferred action, work authorization, and advance parole for current DACA recipients. Due to ongoing litigation, USCIS will continue to accept but cannot process initial DACA requests.
“This final rule is our effort to preserve and fortify DACA to the fullest extent possible,†said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “Ultimately, we need Congress to urgently pass legislation that provides Dreamers with the permanent protection they need and deserve.â€
“Implementation of the DACA final rule illustrates USCIS’s continued commitment to Dreamers,†said U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ur M. Jaddou. “While court orders prevent us from adjudicating requests from initial applicants, we will continue to carry on the important work of renewing and continuing protections for current DACA recipients, as outlined in this final rule.â€
The final rule is a product of careful review that considered the more than 16,000 comments received during the public comment period. It codifies existing DACA policy, with limited changes, and replaces the guidance set forth in the 2012 Napolitano memorandum.
The final rule affirms that:
- Current DACA recipients’ deferred action, employment authorization, and advance parole will continue to be recognized as valid under the final rule.
- DACA is not a form of lawful status but DACA recipients are considered “lawfully present†for certain purposes.
- Non-citizens who meet eligibility criteria, clear all national security and public safety vetting, and are found to merit a favorable exercise of discretion may be granted deferred action and obtain renewable two-year work authorization. Given pending litigation, however, the Department is currently barred from granting deferred action to any new DACA recipients.
On Oct. 5, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed a July 2021 decision of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas declaring the 2012 DACA policy unlawful. The Fifth Circuit, however, preserved the partial stay issued by the district court in July 2021 and remanded the case back to the district court for further proceedings regarding the new DACA rule. On Oct. 14, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued an order extending its injunction and partial stay of the DACA final rule.
Current grants of DACA and related Employment Authorization Documents are valid, and USCIS will accept and process renewal DACA requests and accompanying requests for employment authorization under the final rule.
For more information, visit USCIS’ DACA webpage.

5 hours ago
Tovino Thomas is now the brand ambassador of the Sarrp app.

5 hours ago
Assault and suicide threats; mother hands over drug-addicted son to police

5 hours ago
X can go to court; but everyone is equal before the law – Rajeev Chandrasekhar reminds Elon Musk.

5 hours ago
Passenger found dead on the flight; cause of death unknown.

8 hours ago
388 deportees back in India from US till date, government informs Parliament

10 hours ago
Tulsi Gabbard's India visit highlights strong relationship bolstered by PM Modi and President Trump: US

10 hours ago
US newspaper claims Musk will be briefed on Pentagon's plans for potential China war; Trump refutes report

10 hours ago
Canadian PM Carney to call for snap elections this Sunday: Report

10 hours ago
'New York Times is pure propaganda': Musk slams NYT after Trump calls it 'discredited media'

11 hours ago
CAPAC Condemns Trump’s Decision to Close Department of Education

11 hours ago
Sewa International’s 18th Annual Holi Festival Draws Thousands

12 hours ago
Attack on RTC bus drivers in Maha: Pro-Kannada organisations to observe bandh tomorrow

12 hours ago
If you aren't mentally fit, make your son CM: Rabri Devi tells Nitish Kumar