Jan 10, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Federal judge orders Trump administration to maintain DACA

Protestors in favor of DACA

Protestors march against the Trump administration's decision to end DACA in Las Vegas. Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images

A federal judge in California ordered the Trump administration “to maintain the DACA program on a nationwide basis” as a result of a lawsuit filed by the University of California and others, per NYT. The ruling, which only allows the resumption of DACA renewals from prior applicants, prompted a Justice Department response stating the program was “an unlawful circumvention of Congress” and promising a legal fight.

Why it matters: It’s yet another setback for a controversial Trump administration policy thanks to a federal judge. And though the decision could allow some Dreamers to breathe a sigh of relief, it could undermine the push for Congress to find a definitive legislative solution for DACA over the coming weeks and months.

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