After a divided Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the federal government’s request for an emergency stay of the preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of DAPA and the expansion of DACA, the Obama administration appealed the injunction itself.  After a denial from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, the Obama administration took the case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, and on January 19, 2016, the Supreme Court granted the administration’s petition to hear the case.  Oral arguments will most likely occur in April 2016, with the Court deciding the case sometime before the end of June 2016.

If the Supreme Court rules in the Obama administration’s favor, it means the President will have six to seven months to implement DAPA and expanded DACA before he leaves office, and that could have a significant impact on many undocumented individuals currently residing in the United States.

The Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program would allow those who are parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents and who meet certain requirements to apply for an initial three year period of deferred action and employment authorization.

The expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) would allow applicants of any age and who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements to apply for deferred action, and it would extend the period of deferred action and work authorization from two to three years.

If you think you may be eligible for DAPA or expanded DACA, don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices for a consultation.

We will continue to provide updates here on the blog as the case progresses.

Please consult an attorney for advice about your individual situation.  The information provided on this site is not legal advice, nor is it intended to be.  You are welcome to get in touch with our law firm by electronic mail, letters, or phone calls.  Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.  Until an attorney-client relationship is established, please withhold from sending any confidential information.