(Image source from: AZCentral.com)

Arizona's Grassroots groups and across the nation are raising money for undocumented immigrants known as "DREAMers," following a federal judge's ruling on Friday ordering the Trump administration to restart a program that protected certain migrants from deportation.

In a 25-page opinion, Judge John Bates in Washington, D.C. said that the administration did not justify its decision to eliminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA).

Bates said the Department of Homeland Security, which runs the program, failed to "elaborate meaningfully on the agency's primary rationale for its decision," calling the policy "unlawful and unconstitutional."

Two migrant-rights groups, Arizona Center for Empowerment and Living United for Change in Arizona, are among those fundraising to help DACA recipients in the Phoenix area renew their applications.

Judge rules DACA program should restart, blocks plan for elimination.

Abril Gallardo, the spokeswoman for LUCHA (Living United for Arizona), said many DREAMers need financial assistance to help pay fees to renew their application. Without DACA status, they lose the right to legally work in the United States and protection from deportation. That protection is vital to migrants who fear they are at greater risk for deportation under the Trump administration.

"We're asking folks to stand with dreamers," Gallardo said. "This is a good opportunity to support immigrant youth."

The $495 processing fee required to renew the application and obtain a work permit can be insurmountable for individuals living paycheck to paycheck or helping support their undocumented family members who do not qualify for DACA, Gallardo said.

People can help by "sponsoring a DREAMer" or donating to the DACA Renewal Fund, Gallardo said.

The group has already compiled a list of about 20 people who desperately need assistance. "We know there are many more," Gallardo said.

Migrants must meet certain requirements in order to apply for DACA. They must have entered the U.S. before the age of 16, having no earnest criminal background and have lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.

The program cleared the way for dreamers to obtain driver's licenses, work permits and, in some states, qualify for in-state tuition.

The program has been in jeopardy since last September when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the Trump administration would end it.

Scottsdale mom with DACA detained for 9 months, faces deportation.

The government has 20 days, until Aug. 23, to appeal the ruling or the Trump administration will have to restart DACA, Bates said. Another ruling on the program is expected soon by a federal judge in Texas.

By Sowmya Sangam