Immigration Blog

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is in the news again with the upcoming second anniversary of the memo creating this immigration benefit for foreign nationals who were brought to the United States as children. Over a half million people are enjoying the significant benefits of being granted DACA status. Some of these benefits include: work authorization, a driver’s license, and freedom from worrying about deportation. For statistics on the economic and social impact of DACA on recipients, see a recent study published by the Immigration Policy Center at: http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/just-facts/how-daca-impacting-lives-tho….

While DACA status is only awarded for 2 years, it is renewable. As the anniversary of DACA approaches so does the time to renew for those who were granted DACA in 2012. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expects to release the final procedures for the renewal process in late May. However, the preliminary information that USCIS has released indicates that it will be important to file between 4 and 5 months before expiration of the current DACA period to ensure that there will be no lapse in status or work authorization.

The renewal process will involve payment of a government fee of $465, completing forms, and submitting evidence to demonstrate continued eligibility. In particular, renewal applicants will need to provide evidence demonstrating presence in the U.S. during the past two years and meeting the educational requirement. For a renewal applicant who has been arrested or had interaction with law enforcement during the period of DACA, it is recommended that you meet with a qualified attorney to determine any affect that this could have on DACA renewal. Although renewal applications are not yet being accepted, it is not too early to begin preparing for renewal of DACA for those in the first wave of DACA recipients.

DMCA has helped hundreds of clients become DACAmented with a success rate of over 99%. Our expertise with DACA will be invaluable in navigating the new renewal process successfully. To schedule a consultation with a DMCA attorney and begin the DACA renewal process, call our office at 866-690-1844.