Federal court finds DACA unlawful but leaves current recipients protected

A federal judge in Texas rules on July 16, 2021, that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program was unlawfully created. The court blocks new DACA approvals but allows existing recipients to keep protections while the case continues. DACA protects many young immigrants who came to the United States as children, a large share of whom are Latino. Supporters describe the program as essential protection for Dreamers; opponents argue it exceeds executive authority. Immigration status, race, and national origin intersect in a major fight over who can live, work, and belong in the United States.