Federal appeals court is skeptical of DACA but could narrow the ruling striking it down
A federal appeals court expressed skepticism about fully overturning a ruling that would end the DACA program, which protects undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. During a recent hearing, judges indicated a potential willingness to preserve certain aspects of DACA while questioning Texas's standing to challenge it. The court may consider severing benefits like work authorization while maintaining deportation protections. The ultimate decision could significantly impact over half a million DACA recipients and is likely to reach the U.S. Supreme Court for final resolution124.
What are the potential implications if the appeals court narrows the ruling on DACA
If the appeals court narrows the ruling on DACA, several implications could arise:
- Continued Protections: Certain aspects of DACA may remain intact, such as protections against deportation for current recipients, while work authorization could be eliminated34.
- Economic Impact: Over 500,000 DACA recipients could face job loss, leading to significant economic repercussions for families and communities reliant on their income15.
- Legal Precedents: A narrowed ruling might set a precedent for future immigration policies, influencing how states can challenge federal programs based on perceived costs or burdens35.
The situation remains fluid as the case may eventually reach the Supreme Court for a final decision.
How might a narrowed ruling affect the future of new DACA applicants
A narrowed ruling on DACA could have significant implications for new applicants:
- Ongoing Application Ban: If the ruling maintains the prohibition on processing new applications, over 1.1 million eligible individuals would remain vulnerable to deportation without access to DACA protections12.
- Increased Uncertainty: The lack of new applicants could exacerbate the feelings of uncertainty among immigrant communities, as potential applicants may feel they have no viable path to legal status4.
- Potential Legislative Pressure: A narrowed ruling might prompt Congress to act, pushing for a legislative solution to provide a permanent pathway for Dreamers, especially if the judicial landscape remains unfavorable15.
Ultimately, the future of new DACA applicants hinges on ongoing legal battles and potential Congressional action.
What are the chances of the Supreme Court overturning the narrowed ruling
The chances of the Supreme Court overturning a narrowed ruling on DACA appear significant, given the current conservative majority's willingness to challenge precedents. Recent trends indicate a weakening of stare decisis, allowing the Court to overturn prior decisions based on perceived "poor reasoning" 12. Additionally, the Court's history with immigration cases suggests a likelihood of ruling against DACA, as seen in previous decisions that favored stricter immigration policies 24. If the Fifth Circuit narrows the ruling, it may still lead to an unfavorable outcome for DACA in the Supreme Court.
