USCIS Releases Handy DACA Toolkit

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has belatedly created a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) toolkit for applicants. The comprehensive 34-page document should answer many of the questions that you have about the DACA program, and the renewal process. It is available here.

USCIS is still accepting initial requests for DACA. An individual may be considered for
initial DACA if he or she:

• Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
• Came to the United States before reaching her or his 16th birthday;
• Has continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
• Was physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making his or her request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
• Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012; and
• Has a high school diploma or GED or currently enrolled in a GED program.

An individual may be considered for renewal of DACA if he or she met the guidelines for initial DACA and he or she:

• Did not depart the United States on or after June 15, 2007, without advance parole;
• Has continuously resided in the United States since he or she submitted his or her most recent DACA request that was approved up until the present time; and
• Has not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Requests for renewal should be submitted to USCIS no less than 120 days, and no more than 150 days prior to the expiration of the current period of deferred action.

DACA is not permanent legal status, and House Republicans would love to end the program. However, it has changed thousands of lives for the better, including the lives of many clients and friends at Lal Legal. If you think you are eligible for DACA, need help applying or renewing it, contact our attorney at Lal Legal.