DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (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
(currently 1 year), as well as a work permit.
You may request DACA if you:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 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, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS
- 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 a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably 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, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
Information retrieved from:
FAQs
Yes, as long as you are within the 150-day window before your current status expires. If you are outside the 150-day window, USCIS will likely reject your application.
USCIS has stated that they will reject initial DACA applications at this time.
You can continue to submit renewal applications if your DACA is expired. If your DACA status has been expired for more than one year, you will need to submit an initial application showing that you continue to meet all of the requirements to qualify for DACA.
CARECEN is proud to offer free legal services to students, staff, and faculty of California State Universities and Community Colleges. If you need help renewing your DACA, we invite you to schedule an appointment with an attorney by using the link below.
IMPORTANT: Pierce College students, book your appointment by clicking on the option "Other Community Colleges."