The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program protects around 700,000 young adults in the U.S. from deportation. DACA started in 2012 as a way to allow people who immigrated to the U.S. as children to stay in the country lawfully.
Although the U.S. government currently is not accepting new applications after the Trump Administration rescinded the program in September, 2017, people who previously had DACA protections may still reapply. If your DACA has expired, here is what you need to do.
Apply for a renewal
First, you need to renew your DACA work permit. Although the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stopped taking requests for a while, the federal courts ordered USCIS to resume taking requests to renew grants of deferred action. Today, people who used to have protections under DACA may qualify for status renewals.
You may be eligible to renew your DACA status if you meet the original guidelines for the program. You must also have not left the U.S. after August 15th, 2012, without advance parole, must have lived in the U.S. since your approved DACA request and must never have received a significant criminal conviction.
Protect your rights as an immigrant
It is understandable to feel nervous or puzzled about your status as a DACA-protected immigrant. An immigration law attorney can answer your questions and help you feel more confident in your future. While immigration laws are still up in the air under the Trump Administration, the DACA program remains in place and accepting renewals for work permits.
