DACA History: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, DACA, started in 2012 by the Obama administration as a process to defer deportation for those undocumented individuals who arrived to the United States as children and met other certain criteria. This allowed individuals to come out of the shadows without fear of deportation in which approximately 800,000 undocumented individuals applied and were approved. These individuals were then allowed to advance their education, obtain jobs, pay taxes, obtain their driver’s license and even serve in the military.
On September 5, 2017 the Trump administration made an announcement that it would ultimately bring an end the DACA program. Renewals submitted by October 5, 2017 would still be considered however any applications for initial application or renewal after this date would be rejected. This meant that once your DACA expired you switch automatically back to being undocumented in the United States, affecting their job status and our economy with the contribution they were providing since 2012. This put fear back into these undocumented individuals and families all across the United States.
DACA Update: As of February 13, 2018, a federal court granted a preliminary injunction that would allow the renewal process to continue. This means that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, would continue to receive applications for renewals of DACA as it did before the Sept. 5, 2017 announcement by the Trump Administration. However, those who never applied would still not allowed to submit an initial application for review. The only applications being accepted are those individuals who submit for renewal.
Can I still apply for DACA?
Please note that although USCIS is continuing to receive renewal applications it is important to have your case reviewed by an attorney, like a family lawyer Dallas TX trusts. This applies for those individuals that have DACA that will expire or has expired or you have had a change in your criminal history, such as an arrest, a charge, or conviction, since your last renewal. It is important that your case is reviewed since approvals are on a case by case basis and an attorney can assist you reviewing your case in detail prior to submitting your renewal application to USCIS. This will allow you to discuss what options are available to you. In addition, this could also provide an opportunity to discuss any other immigration benefits that be a better option for you and your family.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC for their insight into DACA.