Chicago, IL- Alianza Americas, a national network of 55 Latin American and Caribbean immigrant-led organizations, is very concerned with the recent precedent-setting decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) that weakens protections for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

While the Board did not issue a final ruling on the underlying case, it determined that DACA status alone is not sufficient to warrant termination of removal proceedings. The BIA further directed immigration judges not to dismiss deportation cases solely on the basis of DACA and to instead weigh the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) interest in continuing prosecution.

Established in 2012, DACA has provided temporary protection from deportation and work authorization in renewable two-year periods for eligible individuals who arrived in the United States as children. Since January 2025, DHS has detained at least 270 DACA recipients and deported 174. This decision further weakens already fragile protections for DACA recipients and signals the continuation of enforcement tactics targeting individuals who have complied with every legal requirement to maintain their status. It is yet another example of an approach to immigration enforcement that applies the law selectively, undermining due process and fundamental fairness.

DACA recipients have lived in the United States for decades. Many are now adults in their 30s and 40s with deep roots in their communities, including families, careers, and long-standing civic contributions. Their continued uncertainty is a direct result of Congress’s failure to enact permanent legislative protections for DACA recipients, TPS holders, and other long-term residents living under temporary and precarious immigration programs. Alianza Americas calls on Congress to take immediate legislative action to provide a permanent solution that recognizes the contributions and humanity of DACA recipients and other immigrants living in limbo in this country for years.

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Alianza Americas is a transnational network of migrant-led organizations in the United States. We advocate for social justice, equity, and human rights in the Americas.

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