Trump administration targets DACA protections and immigrants

The second Trump administration is actively eroding protections for young immigrants under the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Recent actions include the detention and attempted deportation of DACA recipients, such as JeanCarlos Fiallos Manzanares, who faces deportation to Honduras.

Policy changes have also impacted the practical utility of the program. The administration has reduced access to healthcare benefits and prohibited deferred action holders from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses. Additionally, the Board of Immigration Appeals ruled that deferred action status alone is insufficient for a judge to halt a deportation.

Immigrant advocates report that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has significantly delayed the processing of renewals and work authorizations. Processes that previously took 15 days are now reportedly taking six months or longer, leading to job losses and compliance issues for recipients.