On Friday, December 4th, a Federal Judge issued an order requiring USCIS to resume processing first-time DACA (a.k.a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) applications and renewal requests, in addition to advanced parole applications based on a grant of DACA. This includes all people who were eligible for the DACA program, but who were not able to apply before the September 2017 termination, in addition to those who applied after the June 2020 Supreme Court decision, but had their requests rejected.
“What does this mean for me??”
Well, this means many GREAT things! But most significant is the fact the USCIS is now REQUIRED to begin accepting initial DACA applications for first-time applicants, and not just those applications for renewals from previous DACA holders.
You May Be Eligible For DACA If You:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 2012;
- Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007 up to the present time;
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012;
- Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained (or are in the process of obtaining) a GED certificate, or are an honorable discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors.
Additional Noteworthy Points:
- The USCIS must process applications according to the 2012 DACA Program requirements;
- The USCIS will automatically extend ALL Data grants issued for one year to two years; and
- The USCIS will process Advanced Parole requests for DACA recipients who can demonstrate that they need to travel due to education, employment, or humanitarian reasons.
Are you interested in applying for DACA or renewing your previous DACA status? Contact us today (772-236-0148) at the Law Office of Olivia C Cummings! Our experienced attorney will decide whether you or a family member may be eligible for DACA.
