Last week the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision blocking President Obama's plan to allow some illegal residents to work legally in the United States. The program would have protected up to five million undocumented workers from being deported and allow them to work. The vote was tied 4-to-4, leaving in place an appeals court ruling that blocked the plan.
UC Berkeley's Undocumented Students Program got in touch with their immigration attorney to answer some questions about whether this decision affects your status or plans you have to travel. Here is the information:
How does this impact my DACA or other benefits? The SCOTUS decision has no legal impact on the initial DACA program as announced in 2012. Eligible applicants can continue to apply for the program and continue to renew their DACA every two years.
What is next? Advocates will continue to push to have the Department of Justice request a rehearing from the Supreme Court and to have the scope of the decision limited only to the 5th Circuit (Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi) rather than nationwide. Ideally, the next President can appoint another justice to the court while the appeal is pending, so that the case is ultimately decided favorably.
Can I still use advance parole to travel abroad? The SCOTUS decision has no legal impact on the initial DACA program as announced in 2012. Eligible applicants can continue to apply for the program and continue to renew their DACA every two years. Eligible applicants can also continue to peruse the advance parole program under DACA.
Who can I talk to about my current immigration status? The USP attorney has office hours on Tuesdays between 11am and 4pm in 128 Cesar Chavez Student Center. Please drop by! Appointments for other days can also be made by emailing dreamers@ebclc.org.
For more information on the Undocumented Students Program in the Division of Equity and Inclusion, please visit their website and come by the center.