UPDATE: Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Published:  March 25, 2014

Almost 2 years after the implementation of the DACA program our nation continues to await enactment of a comprehensive immigration reform measure to allow for a path to legalization for our undocumented population, even those within the “DREAMER” demographic.  In the meantime, many of the first approved DACA applicants from a couple years back must now start thinking about renewing their status and employment authorizations for another 2 year period.  

As a reminder – The Basics – eligible applicants are “young adults” who: A) are in school, have completed high school or their G.E.D., or are an honorably discharged veteran from the U.S. armed forces or Coast Guard, B) have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007 and up to the present, C) have not been convicted of a felony, a “significant” misdemeanor, or 3 “insignificant” misdemeanors, D) came to the U.S. prior to their 16th birthday, E) entered the U.S. without inspection prior to June 15, 2012, or whose immigration status expired as of that date, F) were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of submitting the DACA application and G) were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.

In terms of numbers, CIS’ most recent statistics indicate that more than 638,000 applications have been received since DACA’s launch in 2012.  Of that total, CIS has approved more than 521,000 applications, approvals which yield a 2 year, renewable, Employment Authorization Document.

PUBLISHED March 25, 2014 “IMMIGRATION LAW FORUM” Copyright © 2014, By Law Offices of Richard Hanus, Chicago, Illinois