Nine Republican-led states ask federal court to end DACA protections for 'Dreamers'
A coalition of nine Republican-led states on Tuesday asked a federal judge in Texas to block a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) program rule which gives protections to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as kids.
The states – Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina and West Virginia – claim the program is “unlawful” and aim to stop DACA recipients from renewing existing work permits and deportation protections. The complaint suggest phasing out the program over two years.
DACA lets undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. before their 16th birthday, have attended school or joined the military and have not committed any major crimes – often called "Dreamers" – remain in the country for two-year stays. It was created in 2012 by the Obama administration and protects nearly 800,000 undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Dig deeper:
What is DACA?: What to know about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program
10 years of DACA: ‘Half an American dream’: DACA was meant to be temporary; immigrants want relief
Real-life impact: DACA opens doors for two Texas brothers, leaves another in shadows
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DACA: Nine GOP-led states ask court to end protections for 'Dreamers'
