DACA has been expanded!

DACA has been expanded!

On November 20, 2014, President Obama and the Department of Homeland Security expanded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. There are a number of very positive changes, including the following:

– The period for which DACA and the accompanying work permit is granted will be extended to three-year increments, rather than two years. Beginning on November 24, 2014, the Immigration Service will begin to issue work permits valid for three years.

– The age cap will be removed. Previously, only those people who were under 31 on the date of the announcement could apply. Now, there will be no upper age limit, provided the person entered the United States before the age of 16.

– The required date-of-entry will be changed. Previously, a person had to have entered the United States prior to June 15, 2007. Now, a person must have entered (under the age of 16) prior to January 1, 2010.

The Immigration Service is NOT YET accepting applications for this program. The Secretary of Homeland Security has given the Service 90 days to begin accepting application.

Please note that the above are not all of the requirements for DACA, but only a few of the changes. Please schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to learn if you are eligible!

–Update provided by Erin Cobb