In 2017, the Trump administration rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which is an immigration policy that makes non-citizen immigrants without criminal records eligible for a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation.
On June 18, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration's decision unlawful. Thus, the DACA program was restored completely, continuing acceptance of initial and renewal applications.
The DACA program is designed to improve economic opportunities for young non-citizen immigrants by allowing applicants and recipients to obtain:
- Temporary work permits
- Driver's licenses
- Employment in the United States
- Social Security cards
Is DACA still available for eligible recipients and candidates?
The Trump administration can make another attempt at terminating the DACA program through executive action, however. Proponents of DACA have called on state, local, and federal lawmakers to take action to protect the program.
In the meantime, immigrants can still be protected by DACA in the following ways:
- Current DACA recipients are protected from deportation and are authorized to work in the U.S.
- Recipients can apply for renewal of their DACA program for two more years.
- Eligible candidates can apply for DACA for the first time.
- Eligible recipients or candidates can seek legal representation for help with applying or renewing DACA, getting screened for others' eligibility, and exploring permanent immigrant options.
- Seek legal representation when planning on traveling outside of the U.S. and returning.
In order to qualify for DACA, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
- Came to the United States under the age of 16.
- Have lived in the United States since June 15, 2007.
- You don't pose a threat to national security or public safety.
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of requesting consideration of DACA.
- You're a student, high school graduate, or GED holder.
- You were honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or Armed Forces.
- You were never convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors.
What legal options do I have as a DACA candidate or recipient?
If you plan on applying for the DACA program or renewing your status, an experienced Indiana immigration lawyer at Hocker & Associates LLC can ensure that all paperwork is filled out correctly and all proper documentation is available for review.
Attorney Vicki L. Fortino has years of legal knowledge and experience helping immigrants through a wide range of complex legal issues. To find out how we can help you, contact us online or call 877-626-7725 to schedule your free consultation.