Nevada has an estimated population of 11,000 DACA recipients. As the program celebrates its 12th anniversary, a group of about two dozen attendees gathered at La Casa del Inmigrante to commemorate the occasion. The event featured a birthday cake adorned with the phrase “Happy DACAversary” and a buffet of beans and rice. While the celebration was meant to honor the milestone, the focus shifted towards educating attendees on alternative pathways to legal residency in light of ongoing challenges faced by DACA recipients.
Challenges Facing DACA
Since 2021, DACA has been prohibited from processing new applications and is currently embroiled in legal battles in seven states. This uncertainty has prompted organizers and immigration advocates to explore other avenues for DACA recipients to secure their legal status in the United States. The Biden administration has introduced new policies aimed at providing more stable pathways to legal residency for undocumented individuals, including a “parole-in-place” program for the spouses of U.S. citizens and expedited visas for DACA recipients who have earned degrees from U.S. institutions of higher education.
Kathia Quiros, a Las Vegas-based immigration lawyer, emphasized the importance of transitioning DACA recipients into other visa programs to ensure they are no longer undocumented. The goal is to help individuals move from temporary protections under DACA to more permanent forms of legal residency that offer stability and security.
Opportunities for Legal Residency
The new policies introduced by the Biden administration offer hope for DACA recipients like Yosemit Xolara Rosales, a 32-year-old engineer who has faced challenges in obtaining a green card. Rosales described the visa process as difficult and challenging but expressed optimism about the potential relief provided by the federal government. He highlighted the impact of Biden’s policies in creating opportunities for immigrants to contribute to the economy and pursue their professional aspirations.
One of the key obstacles faced by DACA recipients like Suriel Cruz, a 26-year-old videographer, is the requirement of a bachelor’s degree to qualify for certain work visas and pathways to legal residency. Cruz, who chose to pursue a career in videography instead of completing a college degree, emphasized the need for more inclusive pathways that recognize the contributions of undocumented individuals to society. The lack of access to federal financial aid and scholarships further complicates the process for undocumented students seeking to pursue higher education and secure legal residency.
Incentives for Education
Despite the challenges faced by undocumented students, Kathia Quiros believes that Biden’s new visa policy could incentivize DACA recipients to pursue higher education and obtain bachelor’s degrees. By providing incentives for individuals to return to school and complete their education, the program aims to expand opportunities for DACA recipients to qualify for work visas and pathways to permanent residency. Quiros sees this as a positive step towards empowering DACA recipients, often referred to as DREAMers, to achieve their academic and professional goals.
Concerns and Uncertainties
While the new policies introduced by the Biden administration offer hope for DACA recipients seeking legal residency, there are concerns about the longevity of these programs. Both the “parole-in-place” policy and expedited work visa programs are executive actions that could be overturned by future administrations. Additionally, the court challenges facing DACA present a significant barrier to the implementation of these policies, raising questions about the timeline for processing applications and the overall stability of the programs.
Moving Forward
As Nevada’s population of DACA recipients navigates the complexities of the legal system and explores alternative pathways to residency, the need for comprehensive immigration reform remains paramount. Advocates like Kathia Quiros continue to work towards ensuring that DACA recipients have access to the resources and support they need to secure their legal status and contribute to society. By addressing the challenges faced by undocumented individuals and providing opportunities for education and professional development, the Biden administration’s new policies offer a glimmer of hope for DACA recipients in Nevada and across the country.