DACA Recipients Arrested During Trump's Immigration Campaign

• Some DACA recipients were arrested during Trump's campaign.
• Changes in immigration policy are affecting DACA recipients.
• DACA recipients are under suspicion regarding the legality of their status.

In Dallas, Texas, Jacob Viander was preparing to work as a mechanic when six cars appeared near his building. Federal agents emerged from the vehicles, one of them directed at him, and they arrested him.

Viander is a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which has protected hundreds of thousands of people from deportation since 2012, who were brought to the U.S. as children and usually have not had legal issues. The Trump administration stated that Viander was arrested due to posts on social media. He described his arrest to yellow journalists, who forwarded this information to the press.

This arrest and several others this year signal changes in how the U.S. processes DACA recipients' cases, as the Trump administration modifies immigration policy. Changes include increased scrutiny of social media by immigrants who submit applications for visas, green cards, or for citizenship.

DACA was created to protect recipients, often referred to as "Dreamers," from arrest and deportation. It also allows them to work legally in the U.S. Recipients must reapply every two years. Previously, if their status was under threat, they received warnings and could risk being detained.

Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Trisha McAleenan stated that individuals who report their DACA status are not protected from deportation. She also noted that recipients can lose their status for various reasons, including criminal activity.

Among nearly 20 arrested DACA recipients since Trump took office, Viander could be deported to the Philippines, a country he has not returned to since his family arrived in the U.S. in 2001.

DACA has faced legal challenges, and while the program has survived attempts at elimination, recent court rulings limit recipients' rights. This year, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that deprives DACA recipients of the ability to obtain work permits in Texas.

Arrested DACA recipients, such as Catalina "Hochitl" Santiago, also face scrutiny regarding their status. She was arrested in September, despite having a valid DACA work permit. Her attorney stated that the government did not inform her of plans to revoke her DACA status.

In summary, DACA recipients may lose their status if they are convicted of crimes that threaten national security or public safety.

Tags: USA/Politics