Challenges and Opportunities for DACA Beneficiaries in Nevada
As Nevada celebrates the 12th anniversary of the approval of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, advocates are shifting their focus towards alternative pathways to legal residency for the program’s beneficiaries. With DACA facing challenges in court and restrictions on new applications, there is a growing need to explore other options for those seeking to secure their legal status in the United States.
It is estimated that Nevada is home to around 11,000 DACA beneficiaries, highlighting the significance of finding alternative routes to residency for this population. A recent gathering at La Casa del Inmigrante Las Vegas brought together approximately 25 attendees to commemorate the milestone of DACA’s approval. While the event was a celebration, it also served as an educational opportunity to inform attendees about additional avenues towards legal residency.
New Policies Offer Hope for DACA Beneficiaries
In response to the challenges faced by DACA beneficiaries, the Biden administration has introduced new policies that could provide more stable pathways to legal residency. One such policy is the opening of applications for “parole in place,” which offers protection to undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens. Additionally, a plan to expedite visas for DACA beneficiaries who have obtained a degree from a U.S. higher education institution has been announced.
These new policies present a promising opportunity for DACA beneficiaries like Yosemit Xolara Rosales, a 32-year-old engineer who has been unable to apply for a green card due to existing barriers. Rosales expressed optimism about the potential relief that the federal government could offer to immigrants, particularly DACA beneficiaries, who have made significant contributions to the economy over the years.
The Advanced Parole program, which allows certain undocumented immigrants to travel in and out of the U.S., has provided opportunities for individuals like Rosales to pursue work-related travel. The implementation of new policies could make such travel more accessible for undocumented residents, although it may only benefit a limited number of DACA beneficiaries.
Barriers to Legal Residency
Despite the potential benefits of the new policies, there are still barriers that DACA beneficiaries face when seeking legal residency. Suriel Cruz, a 26-year-old videographer, highlighted the requirement of a bachelor’s degree as an obstacle to accessing the new visa policies. Cruz emphasized the need for more inclusive pathways to legal status for individuals who contribute to the country through their work and entrepreneurship.
Another challenge for DACA beneficiaries is the lack of federal financial aid for undocumented students, including those seeking visas for work. This limitation can pose additional hurdles for individuals with lower incomes, making it difficult to fulfill the requirements for obtaining a visa or green card.
In Nevada, where approximately 1,000 DACA beneficiaries graduate from high school each year, access to state aid and scholarships for undocumented students is limited compared to federal funding. Kathia Quiros, an immigration lawyer in Las Vegas, expressed hope that the new visa policies would encourage DACA beneficiaries to pursue higher education despite the financial barriers they may face.
While the new policies offer potential pathways to legal residency, there are concerns about the longevity of these programs. As executive orders, they could be reversed by future administrations, raising uncertainty about the stability of these opportunities for DACA beneficiaries. Despite these challenges, advocates like Quiros are focused on navigating the legal system and supporting DACA beneficiaries in their quest for permanent residency.
In conclusion, the 12th anniversary of DACA serves as a reminder of the progress made in providing protections for undocumented individuals brought to the U.S. as children. As advocates seek alternative paths to legal residency for DACA beneficiaries, the implementation of new policies by the Biden administration offers hope for those facing challenges in securing their status in the country. Through continued advocacy and support, DACA beneficiaries in Nevada and across the nation can pursue opportunities for legal residency and contribute to their communities.
