BIA issues precedent decision in Matter of Santiago-Santiago removing DACA deportation shield

The Board of Immigration Appeals issued a precedent decision in Matter of Santiago-Santiago on April 24, 2026, ruling that immigration judges cannot terminate removal proceedings solely because a respondent holds DACA status. The BIA held that judges must weigh DHS prosecutorial interests before dismissing cases. The decision affects all 525,000 active DACA recipients and is binding on all immigration courts nationwide.