USCIS Renews Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program

Starting today, USCIS will accept renewal applications from individuals who currently benefit from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. USCIS will also continue to accept new applications from those who have not previously enrolled in the program.

“Despite the acrimony and partisanship that now exists in Washington, almost all of us agree that a child who crossed our border illegally with a parent, or in search of a parent or a better life, was not making an adult choice to break our laws, and should be treated differently than adult law-breakers,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson.

Individuals who are currently involved in DACA should submit their renewal application 4 months before their current work and deferral authorization expires in order to timely renew their DACA benefits.

DACA is a temporary benefit for certain types of individuals who illegally immigrated to the United States as children and continuously resided in the country thereafter.  A successful applicant can remain and work in the United States for 2 years. Nevertheless, DACA represents a temporary solution and does not open a door to citizenship.

Over half a million people have already benefited from DACA and, owing to the renewal process, they can continue to enjoy those benefits.

Individuals can submit their renewal applications provided they meet the initial DACA requirements and, in addition, they:

• Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
• Have continuously resided in the United States since they submitted their 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.

Individuals who wish to renew their applications are required to submit Form I-821D “Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” andForm I-765 “Application for Employment Authorization.  In addition, those who have never applied for DACA can also seek DACA benefits, provided they satisfy certain eligibility requirements.

Fore more information you can click the following link.

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