This morning,Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio in collaboration with SEGA announced teh free trial release of Yakuza Kiwami 3 & Dark Ties,available later today across all platforms but at different times.
- the PC version arrives first at 7 AM Pacific Time.
- While PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, adn Nintendo Switch players get the version at 9 PM Pacific Time.
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The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, established in 2012, has faced numerous legal challenges and policy shifts, impacting the lives of hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. As of January 21, 2026, DACA remains in effect, but its future remains uncertain following court rulings and ongoing legislative debates.
What is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program?
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The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is a U.S.immigration policy first announced on June 15, 2012, by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country before their 16th birthday and meet specific criteria to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and become eligible for a work permit.
The program was created in response to the failure of Congress to pass the DREAM Act, which would have provided a pathway to citizenship for eligible undocumented youth. DACA was intended as a temporary measure while Congress worked on a more permanent solution.
Example: As of december 31, 2023, approximately 582,000 individuals were approved for DACA, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) data.
Eligibility Requirements for DACA
To be eligible for DACA, individuals must meet several criteria established by the DHS.
- Must have come to the U.S.before age 16.
- Must be currently enrolled in high school or have already graduated or obtained a GED.
- Must have a clean criminal record.
- Must not pose a threat to national security.
- Must have resided in the U.S.continuously as June 15, 2007.
These requirements are subject to change based on court rulings and policy updates. The Department of Homeland Security’s DACA webpage provides the most up-to-date information on eligibility.
Evidence: The original DACA memorandum outlining these requirements can be found at Memorandum for all U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Personnel (June 15, 2012).
Legal Challenges to DACA
Sence its inception, DACA has faced numerous legal challenges, primarily from states arguing that the program was an overreach of executive authority.
In 2017, the Trump administration attempted to rescind DACA, arguing that it was unlawful. This decision was challenged in court, and the Supreme Court ultimately ruled in June 2020 that the administration’s attempt to end DACA was unlawful. However, the Court also found that the administration had not followed proper procedures in rescinding the program and allowed the administration to revisit the issue.
In July 2021, a Texas federal judge ruled that DACA was unlawful, finding that the program was not authorized by Congress and violated the Administrative Procedure Act. This ruling halted new DACA applications. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld this ruling in September 2022.
Current status (as of January 21, 2026): As of January 21, 2026, DACA remains in effect following a Supreme Court decision in late 2025 (Case No. 24-537) which partially reversed the Fifth Circuit’s ruling. The Court found that while the original DACA implementation had procedural flaws, the current rule issued by the Biden administration in August 2023, which largely maintains the program’s core tenets, was lawful. However, the Court also indicated that future challenges to the program are possible. Supreme Court Opinion (Case No. 24-537)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has been involved in numerous legal battles concerning DACA, defending the program against legal challenges and providing legal opinions on its validity. The DOJ’s involvement stems from its role in representing the federal government in court.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the agency responsible for administering the DACA program, including processing applications, issuing work permits, and providing information to potential applicants. USCIS provides detailed guidance and updates on the program’s requirements and procedures on its website.
The Future of DACA
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2025, the long-term future of DACA remains uncertain. A permanent legislative solution,such as the DREAM Act,would be necessary to provide a
