Visa Lawyer Blog
USCIS has recently announced that applications for expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will begin to be accepted starting February 18, 2015. Applications will not be accepted before this date. President Obama has expanded the population eligible for DACA to unlawful individuals who entered the country before the age of 16, and who have continuously resided in the United States since January 01, 2010 regardless of their current age. The expanded DACA program will grant eligible applicant’s an employment authorization card and ‘deferred action status’ that is good for a period of three years. Previously, DACA was only good for a period of two years, had stricter age and residency requirements.
How is the Expanded DACA program different?
- The initial DACA program was only good for a period of two years, now it is good for a period of three years
- Expanded DACA removes the requirement that an individual must have been born before June 15, 1981
- Expanded DACA removes the requirement that individuals must have resided in the United States continuously since June 15, 2007, the new marker is January 01, 2010
To be eligible for the Expanded DACA program you must meet the following requirements:
- You must have entered the United States before 16 years of age
- You must have continuously resided in the United States since January 01, 2010, up to the present time
- You can be of any current age to benefit
- You must have had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- 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
- 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 U.S. armed forces or U.S. Coast Guard; 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.
For more on what you can do to prepare please click here
We will continue to keep you updated as more information is released.
As always our law office reminds you to BEWARE OF SCAMS. Only seek legal advice from an accredited legal representative.
Note: Applications for Deferred action for parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (DAPA) will not be accepted until Mid to Late May. Be wary of Scams.