DACA Renewals to Resume
Jan. 16, 2018
On Saturday, January 13, 2018, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (“USCIS”) posted it will resume accepting DACA renewal applications. The decision to allow DACA renewals came after a San Francisco Federal Court blocked the administration’s decision to end DACA last September.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program began in June 2012. In September 2017, it was announced that the program would begin to “wind down.” Currently, the DACA program will continue as if the program was never rescinded. Applications from individuals who have never received DACA will not be accepted.
Currently, only individuals who previously received DACA will be able to retain DACA status. Individuals whose DACA status expired prior to September 5, 2016 can file a new request for DACA status. Individuals who received DACA in the past and whose status expired after September 5, 2016, may reapply for DACA. Individuals who currently have DACA status will be able to renew their status within one year of expiration. These new DACA regulations will be followed until further notice.
If you are a DREAMer, you should consult with an immigration attorney about renewing or reapplying for DACA. We will continue to monitor the issue and post updates as more information becomes available. For questions or to set-up a consultation with an Immigration Lawyer in our Boston office, please call.