According to a recent Dallas News story, about 17,000 recipients under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), are graduating from high school this year. About 98,000 DACA recipients are graduating from high school nationwide, with the number of graduating seniors in Texas second only to those in California. While many are looking forward to attending college and building their futures, all are doing so with uncertainty in the back of their minds. Congress has yet to enact any legislation that would create a path to citizenship for the so-called “Dreamers,” which makes it their future lives in the U.S. far from clear.
Some economists believe that immigrants are critical to the American economy and workforce, including in the state of Texas. Therefore, DACA could be an essential program in maintaining the economic health of the state and the country. Immigrants also are playing a part in filling jobs in industries with current labor shortages, which are primarily in the service industry, such as hotel workers.
The article credits the Texas Dream Act, passed by the Texas legislature in 2001, as key in helping Dreamers who have graduated from high school to attend college. Under the Texas Dream Act, Dreamers who graduate from a Texas high school can attend in-state colleges and pay only in-state tuition. Additionally, with the work authorization currently available for DACA recipients, these individuals can legally work in the U.S., as well.
Thus far, attempts in the Texas legislature to repeal the Texas Dream Act and by the Trump administration to end DACA have failed. As the federal court litigation concerning DACA continues, these individuals continue to educate themselves, work, grow, and learn, despite the overwhelming uncertainty as to their futures. At Peek Law Group, we care about helping you obtain through your immigration problems. We will focus our efforts on advocating on your behalf and representing your interests throughout the immigration process. Our knowledgeable immigration lawyers know the best strategies for gathering documentation to support your goals. Allow us to handle your immigration case by sitting down with us today and discussing your situation.