COVID-19: DACA Supreme Court Case Takes on New Dimension

The Supreme Court is currently considering the legality of the administration’s rationale for terminating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

On April 20, 2020, the Supreme Court agreed to allow supplemental briefing by advocates for DACA holders.  The advocates pointed out that an estimated 27,000 DACA holders work in healthcare fields and are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 response, with another 200 DACA holders currently attending medical schools across the U.S.

There had been speculation that the Supreme Court would rule on the DACA case in April, but the Supreme Court’s consideration of additional factors rules that out.   Regardless, the Court will decide  before its term ends in June.

For the good of the U.S.’s health care infrastructure in this unprecedented time, let’s hope that the Supreme Court strikes down the rescission, otherwise, DACA holders will lose their ability to work, stay and serve in this country.

If it does not, Congress must act swiftly to pass H.R. 6, the  American Dream and Promise Act of 2019.   There is broad public and business support for a path to permanent status for DACA holders and the so-called Dreamers, and the coronovirus pandemic has only underscored their importance as fully contributing members of our society.