DACA news and the latest updates
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is not approving first time applications. DACA renewals are still being granted and can be completed by mail or online. Find the latest information.
What is DACA?
DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It is a program that gives protection to certain people who entered the U.S. as children and meet guidelines set by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It allows them to apply for a driver’s license, social security number, and work permit. It also offers deportation protection.
What is the current status of DACA?
DHS announced a final rule to continue the DACA program that went into effect on October 31, 2022. This rule means there are no changes for current DACA recipients and their ability to renew.
If you were granted DACA before the court decision on July 16, 2021, you will continue to have DACA as long as you renew. You will also be able to renew your EAD for work authorization and request advance parole for travel.
The September 13, 2023 court ruling does not change your ability to renew your DACA.
If you do not have DACA, new applicants will still not be able to apply under the DACA program because of court rulings.
“We are not a game.” Reactions of two dreamers to the latest DACA news
What is going to happen to DACA?
The future of DACA is uncertain. DACA was ruled unlawful in the courts but the DACA program has not ended.
The latest ruling is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court. That could take time. Depending on what happens, a decision probably could not be made until 2025. Congress could also act, although that is unlikely.
It is important to continue to renew your DACA in the meantime. We will keep this page updated.
How can I renew my DACA?
You can still renew your DACA. Renewals last 2 years. You will need to submit Form I-821D online or by mail.
You must meet the following requirements:
- You have not left the USA on or after August 15, 2012 (without advance parole).
- You have continuously lived in the USA since your most recent DACA approval.
- You have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors.
If your DACA expired less than a year ago, you can still submit a renewal application.
TIP: apply for renewal 120 to 150 days before your current DACA expires to avoid disruption of status.
Yes. Workers with DACA can continue to renew their DACA and work authorization. Work permit requests are filed with Form I-765.
DACA employees are not required to tell employers they have DACA. Firing employees who have the legal right to work (like DACA recipients) based on their immigration status might violate federal law. If you believe you have suffered discrimination, you can call the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division at 800-255-7688.
Advance parole is a permit to leave the USA and come back. This permit must be received before you leave the country. Advance parole will be considered for DACA recipients, but it is not guaranteed.
- If you currently have advance parole, it is valid until it expires.
- If you travel outside the United States without advance parole, your DACA will be canceled. Speak to a lawyer or trusted immigration professional before leaving the USA.
Yes, you can still apply, but you will not be able to get DACA. Although USCIS will still accept first-time applications, the July 2021 court order prevents USCIS from processing or approving these applications.
Contact an immigration lawyer to discuss this option first. Also, beware of notarios and others who are seeking to charge to “save you a spot in line”.
First-time applicants for DACA must meet the following requirements:
- You were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012 (born after June 15, 1981).
- You are currently 15 years old or older or are under 15 but in removal proceedings.
- You started living in the US before your 16th birthday.
- You started living in the US before June 15, 2007, and have lived here ever since.
- You were physically present in the US on June 15, 2012.
- You had no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012, and at the time of applying for DACA.
- You have not had any serious trouble with the law.
- You are in school (including a GED® program), have graduated, or served in the military.
TIP: Start collecting documents that can help you prove the requirements.
Remember, USCIS is accepting new applications but is not processing them. If you decide to apply, you will still have to pay the fees. Please check the fees before sending in your application.
If you have more questions, you can speak to a USCIS representative by calling their Contact Center at 800-375-5283 (TTY 800-767-1833).
Find help
It is important to get help if you can. Many organizations and lawyers offer free or low-cost legal services. Here are organizations that help people with DACA:
Organization | Offers |
|---|---|
Free assistance with DACA renewals | |
Free assistance to help renew and apply for DACA | |
Offers an annotated DACA application form with notes to help you fill it out | |
Offers a step-by-step guide to eligibility and applying for DACA | |
Resources for DACA applicants and recipients | |
Offers a step-by-step guide on how to apply and renew your DACA that includes virtual preparation sessions |
本页信息来自 USCIS, DHS, American Immigration Council, National Immigration Law Center, 以及其他可信来源。 我们的目标是提供易于理解、定期更新的信息。相关信息不是法律建议。
