Trump Administration Argues It Can Hold Dreamers Indefinitely
EL PASO, TEXAS - In a move that has sparked international concern, the Trump administration is arguing it can hold Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients indefinitely in immigration detention.
Catalina "Xochitl" Santiago, a 28-year-old DACA recipient and immigration activist, has spent over 50 days in immigration detention at an El Paso processing facility. Despite being detained while attempting to catch a flight to Austin on August 3, Santiago's attorneys claim the Trump administration is using her case as a test of its authority to hold Dreamers indefinitely.
"We're seeing a clear pattern here," said Maria Blanco, executive director of the Immigrant Defense Network. "The administration is trying to run out the clock until Xochitl's DACA status expires and then deport her."
Santiago's detention has raised concerns among immigration experts and advocates who warn that this tactic could be used as a backdoor to expel thousands of Dreamers, many of whom have built their lives in the United States.
The Trump administration's stance is at odds with the original intent of DACA, which was established by President Barack Obama in 2012 to provide temporary protection from deportation to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. The program has been a subject of controversy since its inception, but the current administration's approach has sparked widespread criticism.
"This is not just about Xochitl or any one individual," said Jose Santiago, Catalina's brother. "This is about the future of thousands of young people who have grown up in this country and are now facing deportation."
The detention of DACA recipients like Santiago has also drawn attention from international human rights organizations, which have expressed concern over the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in the United States.
"The Trump administration's actions are a clear violation of international human rights law," said Maria Rodriguez, director of advocacy at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). "We urge the administration to respect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status."
As Santiago's case continues to unfold, advocates and experts warn that the implications of this policy could be far-reaching.
"If the administration is successful in holding Dreamers indefinitely, it will set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in the United States," said Blanco. "It will also undermine the trust and confidence that these individuals have placed in the government."
The current status of Santiago's case remains uncertain, with her attorneys continuing to fight for her release. The Trump administration has yet to comment on its intentions regarding DACA recipients like Santiago.
Background:
DACA was established by President Obama in 2012 as a temporary measure to provide protection from deportation to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. Since its inception, over 800,000 individuals have been granted DACA status, which allows them to work and live in the country without fear of deportation.
However, the program has faced numerous challenges, including attempts by Congress to repeal it and a Supreme Court decision that left its fate uncertain.
International Perspective:
The treatment of migrants and asylum seekers in the United States has drawn attention from international human rights organizations. The Trump administration's policies have been criticized for being inhumane and violating international law.
In 2019, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, expressed concern over the treatment of migrants at the US-Mexico border. She called on the administration to respect the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
Next Developments:
The case of Catalina "Xochitl" Santiago is ongoing, with her attorneys continuing to fight for her release. The Trump administration's stance on DACA recipients like Santiago remains uncertain, but advocates and experts warn that the implications of this policy could be far-reaching.
*Reporting by Theintercept.*
