Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Renewal
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In a previous blog post, we explained what Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is, and who qualifies. Recently, USCIS announced that it is beginning the renewal process for certain types of DACA recipients (only those granted DACA through by Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from June 15, 2012 to August 15, 2012.) However, USCIS also has given guidelines for what to expect for all other DACA recipients to renew and receive a work permit for another two years.
On the DACA website (http://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-process), it describes what renewal may entail: “As long as you were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, you may request a renewal even after turning 31. Your request for an extension will be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
Although not yet available to all, DACA renewal will likely be similar to DACA renewal under ICE and require that you show at the time of your request for renewal that either (1) that you have graduated from the school in which you were enrolled and, if that school was elementary school or junior high or middle school, you have made substantial, measurable progress toward graduating from high school, or, (2) you have made substantial, measurable progress toward graduating from the school in which you are enrolled.
Or, if you were working on your GED at the time of your original application, you must show at the time of the request for renewal that you have obtained a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent or that you have passed a GED or other equivalent state-authorized exam.
Further, significant misdemeanors (certain crimes listed by USCIS or crimes with a sentence of more than 90 days) or three or more misdemeanors, will likely prevent renewal.
The original fee to apply for DACA was $465, and DACA renewal under ICE currently has the same fee, indicating that DACA renewal for all will also cost $465. USCIS has indicated that DACA renewal for everyone will be taking place in the following months, and may be permitted up to 120 days before the expiration of your work permit. However, as of now, the DACA application form (I-821d) does not allow for general DACA renewal.
We will be posting on our website when DACA renewal is available, so please check back soon.
L.I.H. Law is a trusted immigration law firm with our office conveniently located in Seattle, near the Seattle Space Needle (2nd Ave and Denny Way).
Our well-respected attorneys exclusively practice immigration law, covering diverse topics: asylum, deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA), detention cases, fiancé visas (K-1 visas), green cards, immigration status for victims of domestic violence or other crimes, naturalization applications, and much more.
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