DACA Renewal – Los Angeles Immigration Lawyers
We are lawyers who specialize in renewing your DACA, and we want to provide you with all the help possible. In this space, we want to explain important points about this process.
What is DACA?
DACA is the common name for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. It is also known as an immigration policy that allows certain individuals who were brought to the United States as children illegally by their parents to obtain a form of immigration relief. Through DACA, young people can receive a renewable two-year period. This allows them to be eligible to obtain a work permit in the country under the condition that they do not have crimes, offenses, or violations on their records. DACA does not provide a path to citizenship for those who are part of the program, but it helps young people who do not know any other home remain in the country legally.
Impact of DACA
As often happens with immigration issues, after the introduction of the DACA program by Barack Obama in 2012, it became controversial within the United States government. Studies about the program show that it led to an increase in wages and employment among immigrants eligible for the program. At the same time, it led to an improvement in the mental health of participants and their families. Studies also suggest that the number of immigrant families living in poverty decreased as a result of the program. There is no evidence that those who are part of DACA commit crimes at a higher rate than U.S. citizens. In fact, the crime rate among immigrants is lower than that of American citizens. Finally, economists deny that DACA has had negative effects on the country’s economy or that it reduces job opportunities for citizens.
Cancellation of DACA
Although the program has had a fairly positive impact on the immigrant community, reducing the number of immigrant families living in poverty, the government of Donald Trump attempted to cancel the program. As of April 2020, the decision to cancel the program remains blocked by various courts, and a final decision is expected by the summer of that year. In the meantime, the program remains in a particular limbo. New DACA petitions are no longer being accepted, nor is it possible to renew your status if it has expired. Even so, there are more options for immigrants.
Requirements for the DACA Application Process
Proof of Identity:
You must have a photo identification document such as a passport, identity document from your country of origin, birth certificate with a photo, school document, or military document.
Proof of Arrival in the United States Before Age 16:
For this type of case, you may use any document that can serve as evidence that you entered the country before the age of 16, such as your passport with the admission stamp, travel records, medical records, a bank transaction from that time, employment records, or any other document.
Proof of Continuous Residence in the Country:
In this case, you may use rental contracts, utility bills, school, military, or medical records, as well as birth certificates of children, passports, or other types of documents.
Proof That You Are a Student:
In this case, you can demonstrate that you are a student through study certificates, report cards, enrollment records, grades from the years completed, a document showing completion of studies in the United States, or a U.S. GED certificate.
Proof of Your Immigration Status:
In this case, you must show or provide as evidence the forms I-94, I-95, or I-94W with the expiration date of the authorized stay, or you may also include a document that shows a deportation process.
Have Form I-821D:
You must complete this form, which is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form includes travel information and your current and past residential addresses.
HOW TO APPLY FOR DACA
- You must determine whether you are eligible for DACA and, if possible, obtain legal advice so that you understand the benefits and possible risks of being in the DACA program.
- You must gather all the documents needed to demonstrate that you qualify for the process. These documents include an identity document from your country of origin, passport, school or military certificate, utility payment receipts, rental contract, U.S. high school certificate, or GED certificate.
- Organize and prepare all the forms that are required (I-821D, I-765, I-765WS, I-G1145). Always make sure to complete these forms properly. They may be typed or written in black ink.
- Mail your forms with the payment receipt of $495.
- Stay attentive to the notification for the biometric appointment. If any important document is missing for this application, you will receive an RFE. Every person applying for DACA must undergo a biometric examination.
To Renew DACA in 2023
To renew DACA, the applicant must have the following requirements:
- You must have Form I-821D in which you must check the box corresponding to DACA renewal and update all the required information.
- You must have Form I-765, which is the employment authorization form. In this form, indicate that it is for renewal of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and indicate that the recipient is DACA.
- In question 16, which is the eligibility category, you must mark (C)(33).
- Complete Form I-765WS explaining the need to work.
These forms must be submitted completed along with:
- Two passport-style photos.
- A copy of the current or recent employment permit.
- Payment of the $495 fee, which can be paid by check or money order payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
After this, the appointment is scheduled and a biometric appointment notice is sent by mail. When renewing DACA, it is not necessary to send all the documents from the initial application; you only need to send a copy of the current work permit on both sides along with your residential address.
If the person who wishes to renew their DACA has legal problems or was detained by immigration at any time, they should have an attorney to guide them throughout the process. Once the entire process has been completed, you will be notified by letter that it has been renewed, or additional information may be requested if necessary.
This program remains active in 2023 only for undocumented foreign youth who were previously beneficiaries. Likewise, this immigration status protects the person from deportation and allows them to work legally in the United States.
Immigration Lawyer in Los Angeles
DACA is just one of the various programs and mechanisms available for immigrants, particularly for those who have lived here their entire lives. Our team is here to help you. Contact the team at Progresso Legal Group, we are here to assist.