Understanding Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

In June 2012, President Obama announced a special program for people who came to the U.S. as children before the age of 16, resided in the U.S. since June 2007, and meet certain other requirements. The program is called “Deferred Action for Certain Childhood Arrivals”, or “DACA” for short.

President Trump attempted to do away with DACA, and lawsuits were filed. In June 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the Trump administration’s decision to terminate the program was “arbitrary and capricious” as it did not follow the proper procedures. The DACA program can continue. However, the Court ruled that the Administration could still move to terminate DACA if they follow the proper procedures.

In late July 2020, the Department of Homeland Security announced that it needs time to make a long-term decision about the future of DACA. In the meantime, USCIS will accept DACA renewal applications for individuals who have had been approved for DACA status in the past, even if their employment authorization cards have expired. However, DACA status will only be extended for one year not the two years that was previously granted. In addition, no initial DACA applications will be accepted for those who have never had DACA in the past.

Reach Out To Our Attorneys For Assistance

Our lawyer at Weinrich Immigration Law is here to assist you with DACA. To schedule a consultation with an experienced Seattle immigration attorney, contact us online or by calling 206-512-3597. Se Habla Español.

Our firm focuses on family-based immigration as well as employment (immigrant and non-immigrant) visas. We also assist our clients with naturalization and citizenship issues.