DACA & Other Status - U.C.R. Center

Important information about DACA requests: On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, to take appropriate action to preserve and fortify DACA, consistent with applicable law.

In compliance with an order of a United States District Court, and effective Dec. 7, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is: DACA UPDATE

What is DACA?

On June 15, 2012, the secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

Who Can Apply for DACA?

If you are new to DACA and would like to apply, here are some things to consider before applying to meet the requirements: Applicable to those who:

Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012, meaning that:

You never had a lawful immigration status on or before June 15, 2012*, or
Any lawful immigration status or parole that you obtained prior to June 15, 2012, had expired as of June 15, 2012;

Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

DACA Renewal Process

You can renew if you:

Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved; and
Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Get Help: Don’t apply alone. All DACA renewals are being accepted by USCIS. Consult a qualified attorney before submitting any application to immigration authorities, particularly if you have had any contact with police or any unauthorized absences from the U.S.
- Apply at least 150 days before your DACA and work permit expire. However, USCIS is now accepting applications more than 150 days prior to the expiration date and up to 364 days prior to the expiration date, so you can apply if your DACA will expire in less than 1 year.
- Note: you can still renew even if you are over 31, have graduated, or have moved schools.
Collect documents as evidence you meet the guidelines: You will need to submit supporting documents with your request for DACA. You can submit legible copies of these documents unless the instructions specify you must submit an original document.
- G-28 – Notice of Entry of Appearance As Attorney (Optional)
- G-1145 – E-Notification (Optional)
- Form I-821D – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Indicate this is a renewal application and only complete sections required for renewal applicants. Provide updated information in those sections.
- Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (EAD). Indicate the application is for a renewal EAD (work permit). List your current status as “DACA recipient,” and for question 16 the eligibility category is (C)(33).
- Form I-765WS – Worksheet. Briefly explain your economic need to work.
Submit Applications: Include two passport photos, copy of current work permit and fee. The fee is $495.00.
Schedule Biometrics Appointment: You will receive a receipt by mail and a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment notice.
Final Steps: After being fingerprinted, you will either receive a letter asking for additional information (called a Request for Evidence) or a final decision.

Advance Parole

You can only travel for the following reasons:

humanitarian purposes, including travel to obtain medical treatment, attending funeral services for a family member, or visiting an ailing relative;
educational purposes, such as semester-abroad programs and academic research, or;
employment purposes such as overseas assignments, interviews, conferences or, training, or meetings with clients overseas

When applying for Advance Parole you must fill out the Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) and pay the fee

Here you can find the application fees and download the document

Checklists to stay informed:

Make sure that you qualify. First check the qualifications to make sure you can apply, double check by getting in contact with an attorney
Next be prepared to pay the fee for the application process. The fee is $495, you can pay through cash or Money Order. However if you can’t afford to pay the fee there are centers available to aid you
If it is your first time applying some things to expect is: a lot of paperwork and documents. It will take a couple of months before you receive your DACA in the mail and your work permit. *Remember that this will last up to two years before you have to renew*