As president-elect Donald Trump vows to carry out “the largest deportation effort in American history,” immigrants are pushing the lame-duck administration of President Joe Biden to quickly approve pending deportation protections.
The calls stem from the anticipated shutdown of a little-known federal program the Biden administration initiated in January 2023 that allows immigrants exploited in the workplace, including those aiding law enforcement probes, to apply for protected status on that basis.
Predicted to End
Immigration experts say it’s a matter of when, not if, the Trump administration ends the program, known as Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement, or DALE.
Workers’ Plight
Workers whose paperwork is at different phases of the bureaucratic pipeline face what they describe as an existential threat. Miriam Galarza is among those still waiting for her application to be approved, after submitting wage theft complaints to the New York State Department of Labor earlier this year against her former employer, KEP Construction.
Rally and Urgent Request
On Wednesday, Galarza was one of about two dozen immigrant workers who rallied outside the Brooklyn office of the Department of Labor urging the state agency to accelerate its review of wage theft cases and to support workers’ pending applications for deferred action.
Uncertainty and Fear
Where Galarza and the other workers with pending cases fit in remains to be seen. "This is all going to be dependent on what the Trump administration’s priorities are, and they may have multiple priorities," said Deborah Lee, attorney-in-charge of the Legal Aid Society’s immigration law unit.
Conclusion
As the Trump administration prepares to take office, the fate of these workers hangs in the balance. With a conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court and Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress, the stage is set for a major shift in immigration policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement (DALE) program?
A: DALE is a federal program that allows immigrants exploited in the workplace, including those aiding law enforcement probes, to apply for protected status.
Q: What happens to workers with pending applications if the Trump administration ends the DALE program?
A: If the Trump administration ends the DALE program, workers with pending applications may lose their protected status and work permits.
Q: What is the current status of the DALE program?
A: The DALE program is anticipated to be shut down by the Trump administration, pending applications are still being reviewed.
Q: What can be done to expedite the review of wage theft cases and support workers’ pending applications for deferred action?
A: State officials and advocates are urging the Department of Labor to accelerate its review of wage theft cases and support workers’ pending applications for deferred action.
