**IMPORTANT UPDATE ON DACA SEPTEMBER 2018 ** DACA renewals continue to be processed by USCIS for individuals who have obtained DACA status. New DACA applications for first time applicants are NOT being accepted by USCIS at this time pending the outcome if various federal lawsuits filed across the country in reaction to the Trump administration’s attempt to end the DACA program announced in September 2017. If you have DACA status and have any questions about renewal, please contact our office and do not allow your DACA to expire. You may file your DACA renewal FIVE months before your current status expires, and we encourage our clients to submit renewal applications five months before expiration.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a type of immigration relief available to young people who came to the United States as children and who meet certain requirements. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting DACA applications on August 15, 2012. DACA is available to those who are in removal proceedings or have received final removal orders, as well as those who have never been in removal proceedings.
In order to be eligible to apply for DACA, you must meet the following criteria:
- You were under 16 years old when you came to the U.S.
- You were 31 years old as of June 15th, 2012
- You have continually resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2012, or, if you had legal immingration status, it had expired as of June 15th, 2012
- You were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 (you must also be physically present in the U.S. when you apply for DACA)
- You are currently in school, have graduated from high school, obtained your GED, or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces or Coast Guard
- You have not been convicted of a felony, a serious misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors
- You do not pose a threat to national security or public safety
You must be at least 15 years old to apply.
