WASHINGTON — Legal experts and advocacy groups are voicing growing concerns over delays in the renewal process for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This program plays a critical role in safeguarding undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, allowing them to work legally. The rising apprehension centers around the heightened vulnerability of DACA recipients to potential immigration enforcement actions.
Stephanie Villarreal makes a three-hour trek each week to visit her husband, Juan Chavez Velasco, currently held in immigration detention. His arrest took place in February, when immigration officers apprehended him outside their Weslaco home as he prepared to deliver breast milk to their newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit. Villarreal expressed the emotional toll this separation has taken on their children, highlighting the importance of maintaining familial connections during this challenging time.
The family is now anxiously awaiting a court decision on Chavez Velasco’s release or an update regarding his DACA renewal application, which has been pending since his enrollment in the program following its establishment by former President Barack Obama in 2012. This initiative allows undocumented individuals who arrived as minors to obtain work permits.
Jodi Goodwin, Chavez Velasco’s attorney, noted a stark departure from the previously smooth biennial renewal process. She submitted the renewal application in November but did not receive a response before the critical March deadline. Goodwin remarked that such delays are unusual, adding, “I absolutely believe that this is a deliberate delay, and not just in Juan’s case.” She further asserted that delayed DACA renewals are becoming a widespread issue across the nation.
On Capitol Hill, Texas Democrats and immigration advocates share concerns that these processing delays may leave DACA recipients more susceptible to enforcement actions. Rep. Sylvia Garcia of Houston emphasized the importance of safety for DACA recipients, stating, “Freedom from fear means knowing that we are safe as a country, safe as a community.” She underscored the significant impact these delays are having on the peace of mind for Dreamers and their families.
When confronted about the sluggish renewal process, a USCIS spokesperson reiterated that under President Trump’s administration, the agency prioritizes the protection of American citizens through rigorous screening of foreign nationals. The spokesperson further clarified that DACA does not grant legal status; individuals claiming DACA status are at risk of deportation for numerous reasons, including criminal offenses.
Compounding the situation, the Department of Homeland Security revealed that Chavez Velasco received a final deportation order in 2005 due to his parents’ unsuccessful asylum claims. Attorney Goodwin refuted this reasoning, arguing it undermines the tenets of DACA and highlighting the family’s plight. “It’s particularly thought-provoking. In Juan’s case, he was brought to the United States at the age of eight,” she explained, calling for a reconsideration of policies that affect those who have established their lives in the U.S.
Chavez Velasco’s family remains hopeful for legislative action from Congress. Villarreal expressed her wishes for a favorable outcome, stating, “I hope they get a chance. They’re good people. They definitely belong in our community, and I really hope they pave the way for a lot of Dreamers.” In the meantime, while USCIS reported a median processing time for DACA renewals in 2023 of one month, Chavez Velasco’s application has languished for nearly six months.
