Severing of DACA from Work Authorization Makes Advocates Wary

As the Biden administration puts the finishing touches on final regulations to protect young undocumented people from deportation, immigration groups are urging it to change course on a draft rule’s decoupling of work authorization.

The Department of Homeland Security released its proposed rule in September, codifying the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which shields so-called “Dreamers” from removal and allows them to work legally in the U.S.

Supporters hope the final regulations will fortify DACA’s legal standing in the wake of a federal judge’s ruling last year that the original program was illegal. Immigration advocates have also backed ...