When did DACA stop accepting new applications? This question has been on the minds of many individuals and families since the program’s inception. Understanding the timeline of when the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program ceased accepting new applications is crucial for those who have been affected by this policy change.
The DACA program was initially introduced by President Barack Obama in June 2012. It provided temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to eligible undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. The program aimed to protect these individuals, known as Dreamers, from being separated from their families and to allow them to contribute to the nation’s economy.
Initially, the DACA program was set to accept new applications indefinitely. However, in September 2017, President Donald Trump announced his administration’s decision to rescind the program. The administration provided a six-month window for current DACA recipients to renew their status, but it explicitly stated that it would not accept new applications.
When did DACA stop accepting new applications? The official cutoff date for new applications was September 5, 2017. This means that anyone who wanted to apply for DACA for the first time had to submit their application before this date. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continued to process and approve renewal applications received before the November 2017 deadline.
The decision to end the acceptance of new applications was met with widespread criticism and protests. Advocates for immigration reform argued that ending the program would leave thousands of eligible Dreamers in limbo, unable to contribute to the economy and society. The debate over DACA’s future has continued to be a hot topic in the United States, with calls for a permanent legislative solution to protect Dreamers.
Despite the administration’s decision to stop accepting new applications, the fight for Dreamers has not ceased. Several states and organizations have filed lawsuits challenging the legality of the DACA termination. In June 2018, a federal judge in California ordered the government to resume accepting DACA renewals, although the ruling did not extend to new applications.
The future of DACA remains uncertain, as the program’s fate hangs in the balance. Some members of Congress have introduced legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, but the debate remains polarized. Meanwhile, the lives of countless Dreamers and their families continue to be affected by the uncertainty surrounding the program.
In conclusion, when did DACA stop accepting new applications? The answer is September 5, 2017. This date marks a turning point for the lives of many Dreamers, who now face an uncertain future in the United States. As the debate over immigration reform continues, the fight for the rights of Dreamers remains a top priority for advocates and supporters across the nation.
