As Wisconsin immigration lawyers, we keep a close eye on what’s going on with federal initiatives that affect people who wish to come to the U.S. or who are already living here without documentation—and one thing that’s been in the news lately is a program that would have a major impact on keeping families together.
The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Legal Permanent Residents program, or DAPA, would give the parents of their U.S. citizen children, as well as green card-holders, temporary permission to work and stay in the United States. In some ways, it’s similar to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
There are currently hundreds of thousands of parents in the United States who could be eligible for DAPA.
However, 26 states have filed a lawsuit against the federal government to stop the plan. They argue that President Obama didn’t have the authority to act without Congress.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule this month, but if they are divided with a 4-4 decision, a lower court ruling that stopped the DAPA program would stand.
According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, parents who have children that were born in the U.S. have a path to legal status: once their children turn 21, the children can petition for their parents to get green cards. However, children who are legal permanent residents don’t have that option—and that means their parents face removal from the country.
A favorable ruling would save many families from living in constant fear of the heartbreak of being torn apart.
Are You Considering Applying for Legal Status in the U.S.?
If you need help with immigration to the U.S., it may be a good idea for you to get in touch with an immigration lawyer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Call us at 414-383-6700; if it’s easier, you can also contact us online. We answer our phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
