On September 5, 2017, DHS announced the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program effective immediately.
The following list summarizes the DHS memo and the USCIS Frequently Asked Questions:
1) You can no longer file a new initial DACA application, as of September 5, 2017.
2) Any initial DACA application filed prior to September 5, 2017 will
be processed.
3) Currently pending DACA renewal applications will be processed.
4) Current DACA holders that have work permits that expire before March
5, 2018 have until October 5, 2017 to file their renewal application.
If they don’t file by October 5, they will not be able to renew again.
5) All DACA applications currently pending or filed by October 5 will
be granted a work permit valid for two years.
6) Current DACA grants and work permits will not be terminated.
7) Advance parole (or travel permits) will no longer be granted.
8) Anyone with a pending advance parole application will be refunded their fees.
9) Anyone previously granted advance parole will be able to use it prior
to the expiration date.
Unless Congress passes favorable legislation, this act will leave nearly 800,000 DACA recipients without work authorization, without driver licenses, and without protection from deportation. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) issued a press statement condemning the decision. The only good that come out of this is if everyone pressures Congress to finally pass the Dream Act! Please call your Senators and Representatives now and tell them to save DREAMERS by passing the DREAM Act of 2017!
