DACA: Safe for Now?
What happens next?
If you are one of the more than 770,000 Dreamers protected by DACA, you don’t have to worry– for now. Last Thursday, the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, John F. Kelly, issued a memorandum stating that DACA “will remain in effect.” According to a fact sheet posted on the department’s website, DACA recipients “will continue to be eligible” to renew every two years, and “no work permits will be terminated prior to their current expiration dates.”
What you need to know about changes to the DACA program
It is important to note that no long-term decision on the DACA program has been made. While President Trump made comments on the campaign trail indicating his intention to end the DACA program, he has not done so. Since taking office, he has stated that his administration is “after the criminals” and that “the Dreamers should rest easy.” This is good news for now, but it is also a great reminder that now is the time to renew your DACA. If you have yet to apply for DACA for the first time, it is important to check your eligibility for DACA to see if you qualify before you begin your application process.
Check your eligibility for DACA to know your legal options
If you have been waiting to apply for DACA for the first time, you are not alone. Now is the time to act. From January 1 to March 30, more than 17,000 initial DACA applications have already been approved, along with more than 107,000 renewal applications and counting. If you are unsure if you are eligible for DACA, the USCIS official guidelines are listed below. You can also check your eligibility for DACA here with Road to Status’ free eligibility quiz.
You May Be Eligible To Request DACA Immigration Application If You:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
- Came to the U.S before you turned 16.
- Have resided in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007, up to the present.
- Were physically in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time you make your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS.
- Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012.
- Are currently in school, or have graduated/ received certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard of Armed Forces of the U.S.
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or 3+ other misdemeanors, and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for DACA or learning more about the application process, Road to Status can help. Our software can help you determine if DACA is right for you and guide you through the preparation of your application online. For additional peace of mind, you can consult with a licensed immigration attorney before deciding on the best path for you. Click here to get started.