Immigrants who have built lives in the U.S. after being brought here illegally as children gathered outside a federal courthouse in New Orleans to protest a legal battle over the Biden administration’s policy shielding them from deportation. At stake is the future of about 535,000 people who could eventually be deported. The case, likely to go to the Supreme Court, involves the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that allows undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S. and work legally. Supporters of DACA argue that the program benefits states, while opponents say it imposes costs on states. The legal arguments center on whether Texas, the lead plaintiff in the case, has standing to bring the lawsuit. The panel of three appellate judges expressed doubts about the standing issue and the legal basis for the challenge. The case stems from a ruling last year that the executive branch had overstepped its authority in implementing DACA. The Biden administration has asked the 5th Circuit judges to maintain the program while appeals continue. Demonstrators outside the courthouse shared their personal stories, highlighting the impact of the legal battle on their lives and careers. The case, which has been ongoing for years, is being closely watched as it has the potential to determine the fate of hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients.
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