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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

What is DACA?

On June 15, 2012, the secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal. They are also eligible for work authorization. Deferred action is a use of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against an individual for a certain period of time. Deferred action does not provide lawful status.

Important information about DACA requests: On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued a memorandum directing the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, to take appropriate action to preserve and fortify DACA, consistent with applicable law.

In compliance with an order of a United States District Court, and effective Dec. 7, 2020, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is: DACA UPDATE

 


Getting Started

INITIAL DACA APPLICATIONS

Initial DACA applications (for those people who are applying for the very first time) can be submitted to USCIS but are not currently being reviewed or approved by USCIS. You can find up to date information here. We will also keep this page updated.

  1. Make sure that you qualify. First check the “Who is Eligible for DACA?” section below to make sure you can apply, then double check by getting in contact with an attorney
  2. Be prepared to pay the fee for the application process. The fee is $495, you can pay through cash or Money Order. However, if you can’t afford to pay the fee there are centers available to aid you.
  3. Things to prepare for: 1.) A lot of paperwork and documents, make sure to stay on top of deadlines and keep a folder with copies of everything you submit. 2.) Length of process. It will take a couple of months before you receive your DACA in the mail and your work permit. *Remember that this will last up to two years before you have to renew*
If you are new to DACA and would like to apply, here are some things to consider before applying to meet the requirements: Applicable to those who:

  1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
  2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
  3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
  4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
  5. Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012, meaning that:
  • You never had a lawful immigration status on or before June 15, 2012*, or
  • Any lawful immigration status or parole that you obtained prior to June 15, 2012, had expired as of June 15, 2012;
  1. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
  2. Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Need Legal Help Regarding DACA? Here are two resources:

E4FC:  Getting Legal Help

Free Legal Help

You can renew if you:

  • Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
  • Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved; and
  • Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

 

  • Get Help: Don’t apply alone.  All DACA renewals are being accepted by USCIS. Consult a qualified attorney before submitting any application to immigration authorities, particularly if you have had any contact with police or any unauthorized absences from the U.S.
    • Apply at least 150 days before your DACA and work permit expire. However, USCIS is now accepting applications more than 150 days prior to the expiration date and up to 364 days prior to the expiration date, so you can apply if your DACA will expire in less than 1 year.
    • Note: you can still renew even if you are over 31, have graduated, or have moved schools.
  • Collect documents as evidence you meet the guidelines: You will need to submit supporting documents with your request for DACA. You can submit legible copies of these documents unless the instructions specify you must submit an original document.
    • G-28 – Notice of Entry of Appearance As Attorney (Optional)
    • G-1145 – E-Notification (Optional)
    • Form I-821D – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Indicate this is a renewal application and only complete sections required for renewal applicants. Provide updated information in those sections.
    • Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization (EAD). Indicate the application is for a renewal EAD (work permit). List your current status as “DACA recipient,” and for question 16 the eligibility category is (C)(33).
    • Form I-765WS – Worksheet. Briefly explain your economic need to work.
  • Submit Applications: Include two passport photos, copy of current work permit and fee. The fee is $495.00.
  • Schedule Biometrics Appointment: You will receive a receipt by mail and a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment notice.
  • Final Steps: After being fingerprinted, you will either receive a letter asking for additional information (called a Request for Evidence) or a final decision.

You can only travel for the following reasons:

  • humanitarian purposes, including travel to obtain medical treatment, attending funeral services for a family member, or visiting an ailing relative;
  • educational purposes, such as semester-abroad programs and academic research, or;
  • employment purposes such as overseas assignments, interviews, conferences or, training, or meetings with clients overseas

When applying for Advance Parole you must fill out the Application for Travel Document (Form I-131) and pay the fee[/vc_column_text]

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Phone:  (510) 437-1554

Address: 3400 East 12th Street, Oakland, CA 94601 (ONLY Immigration clinic)

Email:  info@centrolegal.org

Telephone: (510) 768-3100

Hours: Open from 9:00 – 5:00   Closed for lunch 12:00 – 1:00

Website:

www.catholiccharitiesusa.org

Website: https://iibayarea.org/

Oakland Phone: (510) 451-2846×301 oakland@iibayarea

San Francisco Phone: (415) 138-8100×206 sfinfo@iibayarea

Website: www.advancingjustice-aajc.org/becomeacitizen

Hours: Monday – Friday

Phone:  (English  888-349-9695) ; (Chinese  800-520-2356) ; (한국어  800-867-3640)

Click Here for Other Visas

Victims of Criminal Activity U Nonimmigrant Status: U-Visa: U-Visa

Victim of Human Trafficking T Nonimmigrant Status:  T-Visa

Humanitarian Refugees: Refugee

Humanitarian Asylum: Asylum

Humanitarian Parole: Humanitarian Parole

Advance Parole for DACA: Application for Travel Document I-131

Temporary Protected Status: TPS El Salvador

Temporary Protected Status: TPS Haiti

Temporary Protected Status: TPS Nepal

Temporary Protected Status: TPS Honduras

Temporary Protected Status