Trump Administration Argues It Can Hold Dreamers Indefinitely
In a move sparking concerns among immigration advocates, the Trump administration is arguing that it can hold Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients indefinitely in detention centers. The claim was made in the case of Catalina "Xochitl" Santiago, a 28-year-old DACA recipient who has spent over 50 days in immigration detention in El Paso, Texas.
According to Santiago's attorneys, the Trump administration is using a tactic to run out the clock until her status expires and deport her. Immigration experts warn that this approach could be used as a backdoor to expel those in the DACA program, which offers temporary protection from deportation to some formerly undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children.
Santiago was detained on August 3 by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the airport while she was attempting to catch a flight to Austin. Her brother, Jose, said his sister is "holding on" despite the prolonged detention.
"This is a clear attempt to use the immigration system to deport someone who has been living in this country for years," said Maria Blanco, executive director of the Immigrant Defense Network. "The Trump administration's actions are a threat not just to DACA recipients but to all immigrants who have built their lives here."
The DACA program was introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2012 as a way to protect young undocumented immigrants from deportation. However, the program has been subject to controversy and litigation since its inception.
In 2017, the Trump administration announced that it would be phasing out the DACA program, but a federal court ruling in 2020 blocked the move. Despite this, the administration has continued to find ways to limit access to the program and make it more difficult for recipients to renew their status.
Immigration experts say that the Trump administration's tactics are not only targeting DACA recipients but also setting a precedent for future administrations to use detention as a means of enforcing immigration laws.
"This is a slippery slope," said Mark Krikorian, executive director of the Center for Immigration Studies. "If the government can hold someone indefinitely without due process, it sets a bad precedent and undermines the rule of law."
The case of Catalina Santiago has sparked outrage among immigration advocates who see it as an example of the Trump administration's efforts to undermine the DACA program.
"The fact that they're holding her for over 50 days without any charges or evidence is outrageous," said Jose, Santiago's brother. "It's clear that they're trying to run out the clock until her status expires."
The current status of Santiago's case is unclear, but immigration advocates are calling on the administration to release her and other DACA recipients from detention.
"The Trump administration needs to stop using detention as a tool for deportation," said Maria Blanco. "DACA recipients have been living in this country for years, contributing to society, and paying taxes. It's time for the government to respect their rights and dignity."
As the case of Catalina Santiago continues to unfold, immigration advocates are urging the public to remain vigilant and speak out against the Trump administration's efforts to undermine the DACA program.
Background:
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was introduced by former President Barack Obama in 2012 as a way to protect young undocumented immigrants from deportation. The program allows eligible individuals who came to the United States as children to apply for temporary protection from deportation and work authorization.
However, the program has been subject to controversy and litigation since its inception. In 2017, the Trump administration announced that it would be phasing out the DACA program, but a federal court ruling in 2020 blocked the move.
International Perspective:
The case of Catalina Santiago has sparked concerns among immigration advocates around the world who see it as an example of the Trump administration's efforts to undermine human rights and dignity.
"This is not just an American issue," said Maria Blanco. "It's a global issue that affects all immigrants who are seeking protection from persecution and violence."
Immigration experts say that the Trump administration's tactics are setting a bad precedent for future administrations to use detention as a means of enforcing immigration laws.
"This is a slippery slope," said Mark Krikorian. "If the government can hold someone indefinitely without due process, it sets a bad precedent and undermines the rule of law."
Next Developments:
The case of Catalina Santiago continues to unfold, with immigration advocates calling on the administration to release her and other DACA recipients from detention.
"The Trump administration needs to stop using detention as a tool for deportation," said Maria Blanco. "DACA recipients have been living in this country for years, contributing to society, and paying taxes. It's time for the government to respect their rights and dignity."
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
