The New Immigration Report Released by SelfLawyer Reveals 7 Interesting Facts About 700,000 "Dreamers"

NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On June 18, 2020, the United States Supreme Court struck down President Trump's order to end DACA.

The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., makes it clear that the decision was based solely on procedural grounds.

Trump's administration could again seek to end DACA, but it had to provide legally justifiable grounds for doing so. In sum, there appears to be a new Presidential Order coming soon, with, no doubt, a new round of legal battles.

What is DACA?

DACA was introduced by President Obama in 2012. The program was created as a stopgap measure to shield noncitizens who arrived in the United States as children (usually illegally with their parents) from deportation.

Protections under DACA last for a period of two years but can be renewed. The program does not change a recipient's immigration status or create a pathway to becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or a naturalized U.S. citizen.

There are approximately 700,000 Dreamers who receive a range of benefits under the program. Among these benefits is the legal status to remain in the U.S., including the right to work and obtain health insurance. By working legally, DACA recipients have the ability to pay for school and, in some states, obtain a driver's license.

Through DACA, Dreamers qualify for in-state college tuition and state-funded educational loans and grants. Depending on where they live, they may also qualify for state-subsidized health insurance.

Who are Dreamers?

The new report released today by SelfLawyer reveals 7 interesting facts about Dreamers:

1. The Median Age for DACA Recipients Today is 26

DACA beneficiary's average age today is 26. The interquartile age range is between 22 and 29.

2. The Largest Percentage of Dreamers were Only 3 Years Old at Entry

A survey of 3,000 DACA recipients reveals the most were under 6 at the time they entered the U.S. Percentage-wise, the largest group was 3 years old.

3. There are More Female Dreamers than Male

USCIS data reveals that females comprise 53.18% of the DACA population.

4. Most DACA Beneficiaries are Single

Data shows that 75.51% of the DACA group remained single as of December 31, 2019. Only 22.5% were married.

5. Most DACA Recipients are from Mexico

A vast majority of DACA recipients are Latino, with Mexico being the birth country of some 80.34% of the entire DACA community. El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are the next three highest birth nations with 3.86%, 2.61%, and 2.4% respectively.

6. Most Dreamers Now Call California Home

A majority of DACA recipients, or some 28.48%, are living in California. Texas, Illinois, and New York follow with 16.49%, 5.25%, and 4.40%.

7. Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas Make the Top Cities for Dreamers

Around 12.41% of DACA recipients live and work in the greater Los Angeles area. The New York region is second with 6.44%. The Dallas area is a close third with 5.39%.

What Does the Supreme Court Decision Mean for the DACA Community?

SelfLawyer has analyzed the Supreme Court's decision and has arrived at the following conclusions:

All current DACA beneficiaries will continue to be protected from deportation and will be eligible for benefits under the program as prior to Trump's 2017 order.

All eligible individuals currently protected under DACA should apply to renew their DACA status as required.

All eligible individuals who never had DACA protection but are now eligible should immediately apply at this time.

Advance parole may again allow DACA recipients to travel outside the U.S. and return. However, it is unclear at present how the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may affect travel.

All eligible individuals should consult with an immigration lawyer or other legal service provider for information about applying for DACA for the first time, renewing their existing DACA protection, and/or getting screened for eligibility for other more permanent immigration options.

The Supreme Court's decision does not end the plight of the approximately 700,000 immigrants protected by DACA, known as "Dreamers," but only pushes the final resolution to a later date.

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SOURCE SelfLawyer