In 5-4 ruling, U.S. Supreme Court rejects Trump administration’s move to end DACA program.
For the past few weeks, on the days when the U. S. Supreme Court releases its rulings, Rosa Barrientos has been waking up early to meet up with fellow immigrant-rights advocates – just in case a DACA decision was forthcoming.
On Thursday, that day came.
“I feel overwhelmed with happiness,” said Barrientos,26, a recipient of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which on Thursday got a lifeline from the highest court in the land.
Justices rejected the way the Trump administration canceled the program, agreeing with plaintiffs that the process was “arbitrary.” In the 5-4 decision, Chief Justice John Roberts joined the court’s four liberal judges in ruling that said the government did not follow a procedural requirement to provide “a reasoned explanation for its action.”
That’s not the same as resounding support for the controversial program that was created in 2012 by President Barack Obama and currently protects about 650,000 people, most of whom were brought to the United States as children.
The justices, Roberts wrote, did “not decide whether DACA or its rescission are sound policies.” And, the chief justice wrote, the Department of Homeland Security can try again.
So while experts believe such an effort could take months and would face new legal challenges – and that it’s unlikely to happen before the November presidential election – that opening means DACA holders are still in limbo.
That’s why Barrientos, like other DACA recipients, felt both joy and caution on Thursday.
“At least, for now, it’s good news.”
That same, complicated response – wary relief – was expressed by immigrants and their supporters throughout Southern California.
“This is very personal for us,” said Nohemi Martinez,18, who participated in a TODEC Legal Center celebration in downtown Perris.
Martinez has DACA protection, which can be renewed every two years and includes a work permit and a social security number.
