On June 15, 2012, President Obama issued an executive order and gave a moving speech instituting a program that he called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). DACA provides protection from deportation and work authorization to certain people who entered the US when they were under sixteen years old and have a high school diploma or their GED or are currently enrolled in high school or a GED program if they:
– were thirty years old or under on the date the law passed;
– had been in the US continuously for at least five years; and
– can show “good moral character” (have a clean criminal record).
I am often asked by potential clients “Should I apply?” Unfortunately, the current administration has disallowed new applications for DACA, so even if one is qualified, the USCIS (Immigration) is not accepting new applications. However, those who have received DACA before can renew as the federal courts have stated that the President cannot take DACA away from those who have been approved without showing just cause. This is thanks to the hard work of CASA, the NAACP, and other human rights organizations that continue to push back against this administration in ongoing litigation.
If you are thinking about renewing, contact an experienced immigration attorney today to be sure that you qualify and to guide you through the process. To contact our own Attorney Alison Foley-Rothrock, just click here!
