The Story of DACA as Told by "Friends of the Court": A Critical Policy Analysis

• In Event: Rights Across Education Settings

Abstract

In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration unlawfully rescinded the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy. DACA deferred deportation for nearly 900,000 school- or college-age undocumented immigrants who contributed significantly to the U.S. The case presents an opportunity to analyze the values underpinning DACA and its’ overall narrative. Using Critical Race Theory and UndocuCrit, we examine the amici briefs submitted to the Court to illuminate similar/different values, interests, and perspectives when stakeholders tell the DACA story. Preliminary analyses reveal the briefs tell a narrow story of DACA, focusing, on legal formalism and the contributions of DACA recipients. Overall, recipients’ stories are underemphasized. We discuss the significance for research, policy, and practice.

Authors

• Raquel Muñiz, Boston College

• Maria Lewis, The Pennsylvania State University