Northwest Joins 13 Other States Filing Suit Against DACA Termination

Northwest Joins 13 Other States Filing Suit Against DACA Termination

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia filed suit against the Trump administration citing displeasure over the termination Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Two Northwestern states announced they joined the battle, on Sept. 6, 2017.

In Oregon, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum kept to her word when she threatened this action during her speech at one of Oregon’s rallies against ending the program on Sept. 5.

The Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced they also joined the legal action. He claims the federal government’s decision to end DACA is a direct violation of these young immigrants’ rights to due process, according to ABC News.

DACA, otherwise known as the Dreamer’s Act was initiated by former-President Barack Obama. His decision targeted children brought to the U.S. by their parents who are illegal immigrants or those who overstayed their visas. They were allowed to apply for permits to remain in the country. By majority, English and America are their heritage, and they know nothing else.

The United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions and the program’s opponents contend the Act was unconstitutional. His announcement, which occurred on Sept. 5, followed President Donald Trump’s tweets proclaiming his intent.

Currently, there are approximately 800,000 Dreamers nationwide. The number of non-registered eligible youngsters is unknown. According to ABC, the DACA program is no longer taking applications. Current permit holders can remain until their permit expires. If their status if it expires prior to March 5, 2018, they can reapply for another two years. However, the window to do so ends on Oct. 5, 2017.

By Cathy Milne

Sources:

ABC News: 15 states, DC sue Trump administration over ending DACA
The Oregonian: Oregon sues Trump administration over DACA rollback

Featured and Top Image Courtesy of Mayor McGinn’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

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