President-elect Donald Trump plans to implement a large-scale deportation effort, prompting immigrants to urge the Biden administration to quickly approve pending deportation protections under a federal program that grants relief from deportation to workers who are victims of labor law violations. The program, known as Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE), is at risk of being terminated by the Trump administration. Immigrant workers are rallying for support as they await approval for their applications, facing uncertainty about their future under the incoming administration.
As the country awaits the transition to the new administration and the implementation of potential changes in immigration policies, immigrants are urging the current administration of President Joe Biden to expedite the approval of pending deportation protections. With President-elect Donald Trump promising significant deportation efforts, there is a sense of urgency among immigrants seeking protection under federal programs.
One such program initiated by the Biden administration in January 2023 is the Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE) program. This program offers protection to immigrants who have been exploited in the workplace, including those assisting in law enforcement investigations. Under DALE, the Department of Homeland Security can grant relief from deportation to workers who are victims or witnesses of labor law violations. This protection allows them to apply for work permits, providing a legal pathway for them to work and contribute to the economy.
Individuals applying for this program must include a letter of support from enforcement agencies, such as state labor departments or attorneys general, to strengthen their case for deferred action. However, the process of obtaining these approvals can be lengthy and uncertain, leaving many immigrants in limbo.
Workers like Miriam Galarza, who have submitted complaints of wage theft to state agencies, are anxiously awaiting approval of their applications under the DALE program. For many immigrants, this program offers a lifeline to legal employment and protection from deportation. The looming threat of changes in immigration policies under the incoming administration raises concerns about the future of these protections.
Immigration experts warn that the Trump administration may end the DALE program, putting the status of current applicants at risk. With a conservative majority in the Supreme Court and Republican control in Congress, the likelihood of aggressive deportation measures being implemented is high. This uncertainty adds to the fears of immigrants who are awaiting decisions on their deportation protections.
The Workers Justice Project, a workers center in Brooklyn, has been advocating for immigrant workers who are part of the DALE program. Despite efforts to secure approvals from state agencies, many workers are still waiting for their applications to be processed. The lack of timely responses from enforcement units has created additional challenges for immigrants seeking protection under this program.
State Senator Jessica Ramos has called on Governor Kathy Hochul to expedite the pending cases of immigrant workers under the DALE program before the new administration takes office. The urgency to secure approvals for these workers is crucial, as the threat of deportation looms large under the incoming administration’s proposed immigration policies.
President-elect Trump has pledged to prioritize mass deportation efforts, which could come with a hefty price tag for taxpayers. His nominee for DHS secretary, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, has shown support for tough immigration measures and has emphasized the need for strict enforcement of immigration laws.
In conclusion, the fate of immigrant workers under the DALE program remains uncertain as the country prepares for a transition in leadership. The urgency to secure deportation protections for these workers is crucial, given the potential changes in immigration policies under the incoming administration. Immigrant advocates continue to push for expedited approvals to ensure that vulnerable workers are not left unprotected in the face of aggressive deportation efforts.
Source: TheCity.NYC
