Biden reaffirms DACA on first day directs DHS to preserve program but courts block full expansion

President Biden signs a memorandum on his first day in office directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to take all steps to preserve and fortify DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), reversing Trump-era efforts to end the program that protects approximately 700,000 young undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children from deportation. Biden proposes the US Citizenship Act of 2021 as comprehensive immigration reform. Courts continue to challenge DACA's legality throughout Biden's term. In October 2022, a federal judge rules DACA unlawful. The 5th Circuit upholds the ruling but allows the program to continue for existing recipients while the Biden administration appeals to the Supreme Court.