The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) has been under attack since 2017 and was recently restored by a United States District Court on December 7, 2020. On January 2021, President Biden issued a memorandum instructing the secretary of Homeland Security to:
“take all actions he deems appropriate consistent with applicable law, to preserve and fortify DACA.”
DACA, Restored
With the District Court’s order and Biden’s executive order, Dreamers can request first-time consideration for deferred action under DACA and renew grants of deferred action. Additionally, Dreamers can once again apply for advance parole (international travel) documents, and those with deferred authorization and employment documents will have their protections automatically extended from 1 to 2 years.
Essentially, the District Court restored DACA to its original terms, as established on June 15, 2012, and as they existed before September 5, 2017. The Biden-Harris Administration took steps to protect DACA from further attacks.
What DACA Can Do For You
DACA serves people who came to the United States illegally as children. The program does not grant legal status but can help undocumented immigrants stay in the country. If you were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday, and completed a high-school level education or served in the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces, you may be eligible to request protections under DACA if you currently reside in the country. Nevertheless, you cannot request DACA if you have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or 3 or more other misdemeanors.
Assuming you meet the eligibility requirements above, you can protect yourself from deportation for 2 years, subject to renewal, and request work authorization. DACA is a great option if you want to study or work in the United States, and the program can give you the time you need to pursue legal citizenship.
Protect Your American Dream
At Gardiner Immigration, we understand that the United States is your home. You grew up here and went to school here, and you may already feel like a citizen. That’s why we’re so happy that DACA was restored – and that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to preserving and fortifying the program as we move forward.
If you need to apply for protection and work authorization under DACA, please call us at (813) 750-0779 or contact us online to get the legal help you need today.
Keep in mind that our firm can also help you seek citizenship in the United States. As an immigrant herself, Founding Attorney Grace Gardiner has 20+ years of legal experience and is committed to your American Dream.