The “Decision” of the Supreme Court and the Future of the Programs
On Thursday the Supreme Court finally decided, or failed to decide, the case U.S. v. Texas. Specifically, the eight justices were split four-four. Because the lower courts blocked the federal government from implementing the two programs [Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA+)], the four-four deadlock means that, at least for the time being, the programs will remain blocked.
However, it is entirely possible, if not likely, the case will return to the Supreme Court in the fall of 2017 or, more likely, the spring of 2018. It is expected that a ninth justice will be added to the Supreme Court in the first half of 2017. If Hillary Clinton is the next President of the United States, she is expected to have her administration ask for a rehearing on the subject once the ninth justice is confirmed.
Please remember that this ruling does not affect those who are eligible for the DACA program that was announced on June 15, 2012. Anyone who has DACA currently will be able to maintain DACA, until the program is revoked either by the Supreme Court or a future President. (Donald Trump has said that if he is elected President he would cancel the program.)
Finally please be advised that this decision does not affect the enforcement priorities laid out by the Department of Homeland Security. Thus, if you qualify for DACA+ or DAPA, you are not an enforcement priority and you should not be targeted for enforcement.
