In November 2014, the President announced the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program, which would protect from deportation and provide eligibility for work authorization to as many as 3.6 million undocumented immigrants.
Facts You Should Know
- DAPA does not grant permanent legal status to undocumented immigrants.
- To be eligible, a person must have lived in the Unites States since January 1, 2010, be physically present in the United States when applying, and have a child who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- No one convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor or three or more other misdemeanors, or otherwise poses a threat to national security or be an enforcement priority for removal is eligible.
- DAPA individuals are required to pay all income and social security taxes when working in the United States under the program.
- In December 2014, 26 states, including Florida, sued to stop the implementation of DAPA, and requested an injunction that would prevent the federal government from proceeding with the program until the lawsuit was resolved by the court. The federal court granted the states’ request to stop implementation of DAPA until the court heard evidence and ruled on the legality of the program. The U.S .Government appealed this order.
- On June 23, 2016, the Supreme Court issued a 4-4 decision to let the lower court order stand until there was a ruling on the legality of the program.
More Information on DAPA…
Migration Policy Institute: DAPA’s Potential Impact
American Immigration Council: Understanding Legal Challenges to Executive Action
RAICES: Basics of Executive Action
