The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is once again accepting DACA applications. On December 7, 2020, a federal district judge ordered the Trump administration to fully reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Deferred Action refers to delaying the execution of a deportation order or removal proceedings. This program has allowed nearly 700,000 undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children to live and work here. Each DACA application is discretionary and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
A U.S. District Court judge ordered the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to resume approving new DACA applications and work permits. Previously, the Trump administration had suspended new applications and work permits. The Court's order requires DHS to return to its prior practice of granting and extending DACA status for two years at a time.
USCIS is now accepting new DACA applications, DACA renewals, and applications for advance parole. Equally important, the Court restored DACA renewals and work permits to two years instead of the previously reduced one-year timeframe.
The future of DACA remains uncertain. Currently, DACA recipients must renew their status every two years indefinitely. Many DACA holders hope the program will eventually include a path to U.S. citizenship. If you believe you qualify for DACA, we strongly recommend submitting your application now.
