Princeton Plans Information Session on Supreme Court Decisions Concerning Immigration Programs

Princeton, NJ -- The Princeton Human Services Commission is working with community advocates to put together an informative session on the Supreme Court’s recent decision concerning a pair of executive actions dealing with immigration.

The programs, DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents) and the expansion of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) programs, would have been able to provide temporary protection from deportation and work permits for those who qualified, but they have been on hold since February of 2015.

In a split 4-4 decision the Supreme Court upheld the lower court’s decision to block DACA and DAPA resulting from a challenge to the orders that came out of Texas.

At least half of the undocumented immigrants in New Jersey, a number that stands at between 400,000 and 500,000, would have qualified under the programs, according to town officials.

“The decision is extremely disappointing," Princeton Councilwoman Heather Howard said. "The President’s program was an opportunity to rationalize a part of our immigration system and prevent families from being torn apart. “In Princeton, immigrants contribute to a vibrant community. We understand that there is a lot of confusion about the decision, and we will look for opportunities locally to help our residents understand the impact of the decision and continue to advocate for humane policies.”

The original DACA program, launched in 2012, is still available and is not affected by the Supreme Court decision. Eligible undocumented immigrants can continue to apply for and renew their DACA status.

People who are granted DACA status receive temporary protection from deportation, a work permit, a social security number, and can apply for a driver’s license.

While the issue gets sorted out, residents may qualify for some other immigration relief program already in existence through which they could receive protection from deportation, a work permit, and in some cases, lawful permanent residence (a “green card”).

For more information, visit http://www.adminrelief.org/legalhelp/ for a list of free or low-cost nonprofit immigration legal service providers nearby.

An information session on the issue will be held in the coming weeks, and more information will be provided as it becomes available, the town said.

For more information, contact the Princeton Human Services offices at 609-688-2055 or e-mail the Executive Director at ENeira@princetonnj.gov.