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Tell Senators: Protect Dreamers NOW!

On July 16 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew S. Hanen in Texas issued an opinion finding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) illegal and barring the federal government from granting new applications. For the time being, current DACA recipients retain their protections, but their future is more uncertain than ever. The ruling once again puts the fate of Dreamers in limbo. The U.S. Senate holds the key to their future.  

Tell Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith to take action to create a permanent solution for Dreamers now.  

Dreamers are undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. The United States is often the only home they have known. Dreamers serve in our military and contribute as teachers, health care providers, neighbors, and more. Together with their families, they make our nation a better place. More than 650,000 Dreamers have DACA already, including more than 5,300 Minnesotans. Tens of thousands of Dreamers have applications for DACA pending.  

ILCM will be holding a Facebook Live event regarding this decision on Wednesday, July 21, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Please join us and share widely! This event will be in English and Spanish. Este evento será en inglés y español. 

Over the next 10 years, Dreamers who currently have DACA will contribute an estimated $433.4 billion to the GDP, $60 billion in fiscal impact, and $12.3 billion in taxes to Social Security and Medicare if they can continue to work legally in the U.S. Dreamers have also been indispensable to our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic: nearly 30,000 DACA recipients work in health care across the U.S, and nearly half of all Dreamers — around 1 million — work in essential industries.  

Tell Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith that Dreamers are essential members of our communities and they deserve a permanent solution.  

Minnesota Senator Tina Smith has spoken out strongly in support of including a path to citizenship for Dreamers and essential workers in the budget reconciliation bill. In March, Democrats and a handful of Republicans in the House of Representatives passed the Dream and Promise Act, which would provide a pathway to earned citizenship for Dreamers as well as people with Temporary Protected Status.   

Judge Hanen’s ruling shines a light on the fact that DACA has always been only a temporary solution. It is past time for Congress to act and provide certainty to Dreamers. Doing so will benefit not only Dreamers, but also those who depend on them: our communities, our churches, our businesses and our nation as a whole. We cannot keep leaving Dreamers in limbo, undermining their future in the only country many of them have called home.   

Tell Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar and Minnesota Senator Tina Smith to work hard for a path to citizenship for Dreamers!   

Decisión de la corte federal de Texas sobre DACA: Preguntas más frecuentes (Updated July 28, 2021)

Esta hoja está actualizada a partir del 28 de julio de 2021. 

¿Qué se estaba cuestionando en este caso? 

El estado de Texas y varios otros estados argumentaron que el Presidente Obama no siguió correctamente la Ley de Procedimiento Administrativo (APA) cuando creó DACA en 2012. 

¿Cuál fue la decisión del tribunal emitida el 16 de Julio de 2021? 

Un juez federal del estado de Texas, Andrew Hanen, estuvo de acuerdo con el estado de Texas y otros estados que iniciaron el caso. Encontró que el Presidente Obama no siguió la APA cuando creó DACA y por lo tanto encontró que el programa es ilegal. El juez ordenó que se terminara el programa. Ordenó que parte de su decisión entrará en vigencia inmediatamente y que parte de ella se se pausara temporalmente. Específicamente:  

  • Parte de su decisión inmediata: El juez Hanen declaró que DHS puede continuar aceptando la aplicación inicial, PERO DHS no puede dar el estatus DACA a estas personas.  
  • Parte de su decisión pausada temporalmente: El juez Hanen declaró que DHS puede continuar a procesar renovaciones de DACA sin importar cuándo se presentó. El juez Hanen declaró que esto sería permitido por un tiempo corto, pero no definido, para que el Presidente y USCIS pudrieran restablecer DACA de conformidad con APA. 

¿Como puede este juez declarar ilegal a DAC cuando la Corte Suprema salvó a DACA el año pasado?  

La respuesta es complicado y confusa. El año pasado, se la pidió a la Corte Suprema que respondiera una pregunta principal: ¿el Presidente Trump siguió los requisitos de la ley cuando terminó DACA? La Corte Suprema respondió que no. Pero, en ese caso, no se le pidió a la Corte Suprema que respondiera y no respondió la pregunta: ¿el Presidente Obama cumplió con los requisitos de la ley cuando creó DACA? En este caso de Texas, al juez Hanen se le hizo eesta pregunta y respondió que “no”.  

¿Existe la posibilidad de que la decisión del tribunal se suspenda o se anule? 

Si! Esta decisión puede y probablemente será apelada ante la corte de apelaciones y la Corte Suprema. Esos tribunales podrían tomar medidas temporales o permanentes para suspender o revocar esta orden. Para obtener la información más reciente en este caso, por favor consulte www.ilcm.org y las redes sociales de ILCM. 

¿Ya tengo DACA. Cómo me afecta esta decisión?  

Según la decisión, los titulares de DACA todavía tienen el estatus de DACA y pueden continuar renovando su DACA por ahora. Consulte con abogado de inmigración sobre su situación particular. 

¿Soy elegible para DACA pero aún no he presentado mi solicitud inicial. Cómo me afecta esta decisión? 

Según la decisión, USCIS aún puede aceptar aplicaciónes iniciales de DACA, pero USCIS no puede aprobarlas. Consulte con abogado de inmigración sobre su situación particular. 

¿Soy elegible para DACA y envié mi aplicación inicial. Cómo me afecta esta decisión? 

Las aplicaciónes iniciales de DACA están en espera. En este momento, no se aprobarán nuevas aplicaciónes de DACA. La decisión judicial impidió que USCIS aprobara nuevos casos de DACA. Esto significa que todas las personas que hayan presentado una aplicación inicial de DACA (es decir, aquellos que nunca tuvieron DACA y están solicitando por primera vez) y no han recibido una aprobación de USCIS tendrán su aplicación retenida. Esto se aplica a todos los casos inciales que no fueron aprobados antes del 16 de Julio de 2021. 

¿Tenía DACA, pero mi DACA se venció. Cómo me afecta esta decisión? RESPUESTA ACTUALIZADA

Si envía una solicitud de DACA más de un año desde que expiró su última concesión de DACA o después de que se canceló su concesión de DACA más reciente (en cualquier momento), su solicitud se considera una solicitud inicial, no una renovación, de conformidad con la política de USCIS preexistente.

USCIS puede aceptar solicitudes iniciales de DACA, pero tiene prohibido aprobarlas mientras esta orden judicial siga en vigor. Se le enviará un aviso de recibo y se aceptará su pago. Sin embargo, la solicitud no se procesará más, de conformidad con la orden judicial.

Consulte con abogado de inmigración sobre su situación particular. 

¿Tengo DACA y recibí Advance Parole. Cómo me afecta esta decisión? 

Esta decisión no se refiere a Advance Parole. Consulte con un abogado de inmigración antes de decidir salir de los EE.UU. 

¿Dónde puedo llamar si tengo DACA y quiero renovar? 

Comuníquese con ILCM al 651-641-1011 los lunes, martes, y miércoles desde las 9am hasta last 4PM y los jueves desde la 1PM hasta las 7:30PM para asistencia.  

¿Dónde puedo encontrar apoyo para la salud mental?  

United We Dream ha creado un conjunto de herramientas para apoyar la salud mental. Consulte este sitio web para revisar sus recurosos: Mental Health Toolkit | United We Dream 

Para obtener servicios de consejería, puede comunicarse con el centro de consejería sin cita previa para obtener servicios gratuitos (por teléfono o en línea). Consulte su sitio web para obtener información: https://walkin.org/counseling-services/locations-hours/   

Si quieres una cita en espańol por favor llama a 612-870-0565 x 2. 

¿Dónde puedo obtener más datos sobre DACA?  

Puede consultar nuestro sitio web www.ilcm.org para obtener mas datos de DACA. 

 

Haga click aquí para el archivo PDF.
Click here for the English version of this fact sheet. 

Texas Court Decision on DACA: Frequently Asked Questions (7/19/2021)

This fact sheet was updated on July 28, 2021.

What was being challenged in this case? 

The State of Texas and several other states argued that President Obama did not properly follow the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) when he created DACA in 2012.  

What was the court’s decision issued on July 16, 2021? 

Judge Andrew Hanen, a federal district court judge in Texas, agreed with the state of Texas and the other states that brought the case.  He found that President Obama did not follow the APA when he created DACA, and therefore, he found that the program is illegal. He ordered that the program be ended.  He ordered that part of his decision go into effect immediately and that part of it be paused temporarily. Specifically: 

  • Part of the decision effective immediately: Judge Hanen stated that DHS can continue to accept initial DACA applications, BUT DHS cannot grant DACA status to these applicants. 
  • Part of the decision that has been paused temporarily: Judge Hanen stated that DHS can continue to process and grant DACA renewals regardless of when they are filed. Judge Hanen stated this would be allowed for a short, but undefined amount of time to give the President and USCIS time to reestablish DACA in compliance with the APA.     

How can this judge declare DACA illegal when the Supreme Court saved DACA last year? 

This answer is complicated and confusing. Last year, the Supreme Court was asked to answer one main question: did President Trump follow the requirements of the law when he ended DACA? The Supreme Court answered that question “no.” But, in that case, the Supreme Court was not asked to answer and did not answer the question: did President Obama follow the requirements of the law when he created DACA? In the Texas case, Judge Hanen was asked this question and answered this question “no.” 

Is there a possibility that the court’s decision could be put on hold or overturned? 

Yes! This decision can and likely will be appealed to the appellate court and the Supreme Court. Those courts could take temporary or permanent action to put this order on hold or overturn it. For the latest information in this case, please check www.ilcm.org  and ILCM’s social media. 

I already have DACA.  How does this decision affect me? 

According to the decision, DACA holders still have DACA status and can continue to renew their DACA status for now. Consult with a qualified immigration lawyer about your particular situation. 

I am eligible for DACA but I have not yet submitted my initial application.  How does this decision affect me? 

According to the decision, USCIS can still accept initial DACA applications, but USCIS cannot approve them. Consult with a qualified immigration lawyer about your particular situation.  

I am eligible for DACA, and I submitted my initial application.  How does this decision affect me? 

Initial DACA applications are on hold. No new DACA first time applications will be approved at this time. The court decision blocked USCIS from approving any new DACA cases. This means that all people who have submitted a DACA initial application (i.e., those that never had DACA and are applying for the first time) and have not received an approval from USCIS will have their application held. This applies to all initial cases that were not approved before July 16, 2021. 

I had DACA, but my DACA expired.  How does this decision affect me? UPDATED ANSWER

If you submit a DACA request more than one year since your last grant of DACA expired or after your most recent DACA grant was terminated (at any time), your request is considered an initial request, not a renewal, pursuant to preexisting USCIS policy.

USCIS can accept initial DACA requests, but it is prohibited from approving them while this court order remains in effect. You will be issued a receipt notice, and your payment will be accepted. However, the request will not be further processed, in compliance with the court order.

Consult with a qualified immigration lawyer about your particular situation.

I have DACA and received Advance Parole.  How does this decision affect me? 

This decision does not address Advance Parole.  Please consult with a qualified immigration lawyer before you decide to leave the U.S.   

Where can I call if I have DACA and want to file to renew?  

Please contact ILCM at 651-641-1011 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 9am to 4pm and on Thursdays from 1pm to 7:30pm for assistance. 

Where can I find mental health support? 

United We Dream has created a tool kit to support mental health.  Please see this website to review their resources: Mental Health Toolkit | United We Dream  

For counseling services, you can contact the Walk-In Counseling Center for free remote (phone or on-line) services.  See their website for information:  https://walkin.org/counseling-services/locations-hours/   If you want an appointment in Spanish, please call 612-870-0565 x 2. 

Where can I get more updates about DACA? 

You can check our website at www.ilcm.org for further DACA updates.   

 

Click here for a printable PDF version of this fact sheet.
Haga click aquí para la hoja de datos en Español.

A Pathway to Citizenship for Immigrant Essential Workers 

July 15, 2021 – This week, Democrats in the U.S. Senate announced that a pathway to citizenship would be included in the upcoming budget reconciliation package. On Friday, July 16, at 2:00 p.m. Senator Smith, Unidos MN, the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM), the Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL), and other organizations will hold a joint press conference at Mercado Central (1515 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407) highlighting Senator Smith’s support for passing a pathway to citizenship for essential workers through budget reconciliation.  

WHO:  

  • Senator Tina Smith, D-MN 
  • Veena Iyer, Immigrant Law Center or Minnesota 
  • Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, UnidosMN
  • Jenny Srey, Coalition of Asian American Leaders 

WHAT: Press conference supporting a pathway to citizenship for immigrant essential workers 

WHERE: 1515 E Lake St., Minneapolis, MN 55407 

WHEN: 2 p.m. 

Budget reconciliation is a process that provides a narrow path to passing some types of legislation with a simple majority. It’s a process that is used by both parties on a regular basis and it offers a path forward. A reconciliation bill that includes citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers and other essential workers will boost economic growth, create jobs and increase wages for all Americans. 

More than 5 million undocumented immigrants have been risking their lives as “essential workers” during the worst public health crisis in our lifetime. More than two-thirds of all undocumented immigrant workers serve in frontline jobs in essential industries—healthcare, home care, transportation, agriculture, food production, construction and other industries. 

“It’s time for We the People to truly include all of us,” said Emilia Gonzalez Avalos, executive director of Unidos MN. “Lawmakers supporting immigrants should use every ounce of their power to ensure that citizenship for immigrant workers and families is part of the budget reconciliation process.”  

“It is a moral failure that today, in the United States, millions of immigrant workers are considered both ‘essential’ and ‘deportable,’” said Veena Iyer, executive director of ILCM. “Congress must act now to protect individuals with temporary protected status and the millions of Dreamers and immigrant workers who lack a pathway to permanent legal status and citizenship.” 

Essential workers without permanent legal status should be recognized as the Americans they already are. They have been there for all of us. Now it’s time for all of us to be there for them. 

Minnesota Legislature Votes to Support Immigrant Survivors of Crime 

June 30, 2021 – This morning, the Minnesota legislature passed the Public Safety Omnibus Bill which, among other provisions, ensures consistency and transparency in the treatment of immigrant survivors of crime by local law enforcement. The bill now goes to the Governor, who is expected to sign it shortly.   

Immigrant survivors of crime are often hesitant to seek assistance from law enforcement because of fear of deportation. The federal government therefore created the U visa, which allows immigrant survivors to obtain immigration protection if they are helpful in the investigation and/or prosecution of the crime. To obtain a U visa—which usually takes more than five years—an immigrant survivor must first obtain a certification from law enforcement. Unfortunately, there have been too many instances of law enforcement officials in Minnesota failing to respond to requests for certification, leaving immigrant survivors living in fear. 

The U visa certification bill sets deadlines for certification decisions and requires law enforcement agencies to identify a U visa certification point person, implement language access protocols, and refrain from disclosing the immigration status of survivors except where required by law. 

“We are thrilled that immigrant survivors in Minnesota will now encounter consistent policies and receive timely decisions on U visa certification requests regardless of where they were victimized,” said ILCM executive director Veena Iyer. “Immigrant survivors of crime need and deserve the protection offered through U visas. We now look to Governor Walz to sign this bill into law and make our criminal justice system more supportive to immigrant survivors.”