TODEC Legal Center Reassures DACA Recipients Amid Trump Administration’s “Self-Deportation” Statements

Calls for “self-deportation” by the Trump Administration have left many DACA recipients questioning their safety and future in the U.S.—but legal experts are urging calm. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), enacted in 2012, has shielded individuals brought to the country as children from deportation. Now, a recent statement from the Department of Homeland Security suggesting that DACA recipients aren’t automatically protected has created confusion and concern. Montserrat, a long-time California resident and DACA recipient, says hearing these statements feels like a direct threat to her home and identity. “I lived here. I grew up here. This is my home, so it's completely scary to hear that they're threatening us to go somewhere we don't know.” she said. However, staff attorney Claudio Koren from TODEC Legal Center emphasized that no actual policy changes have taken place. “The only purpose is to create fear on the immigration population, there is not such thing as automatic deportation. A deportation order can be issued by an immigration judge, only.” Koren explained. He advised recipients to avoid any legal trouble, as even arrests—not just convictions—could jeopardize DACA status. TODEC also recommends that all recipients keep their DACA paperwork up to date and explore long-term immigration solutions.