Allowed to Stay: An Exploration of DHS New Guidelines to Dismiss Certain Immigration Cases

Author

Jazmin E. De La Cruz Sanchez, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

2-2023

Document Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

M.A.

Program

International Migration Studies

Advisor

Jaime G. Longazel

Subject Categories

Immigration Law

Keywords

Respondent, Dismissal, DHS, EOIR, EAD, Liminal Legality, Legal Status

Abstract

A new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guideline issued with the intent of reducing case backlogs has led to the dismissal of many immigrants’ legal proceedings. Having their case dismissed has allowed those immigrants to stay within the United States essentially with no legal status. I argue in this paper that these changes have left many in a state that’s been termed liminal legality. Building on previous research that employs this concept, I specifically argue that being in this position affects one’s employment, income, prospects for upward mobility, and future legal standing. Although this new guideline was created to ease the court’s backlog, it has instead had some negative impacts in the lives of many immigrants.

Recommended Citation

De La Cruz Sanchez, Jazmin E., "Allowed to Stay: An Exploration of DHS New Guidelines to Dismiss Certain Immigration Cases" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5227