Five Things To Know about New DACA
Author: New York DACA lawyer Alena Shautsova
Applications for New DACA can be submitted starting February 18, 2015
DACA of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals underwent some major modification from its original form. In November, 2014 President Obama promised that those who came to the country before they turned 16 and stayed continuously from January 1, 2010, will be able to get a temporarily relief from deportation/ removal and receive an employment authorization. In fact, just a couple of days ago, USCIS announced that it will start accepting applications for NEW DACA beginning February 18, 2015. It is anticipated that new DACA will affect millions of persons.
There is no more Upper Age Restriction
The previous DACA restricted the age of applicants in that all those who turned 31 as of June 5, 2012 could not apply. Now, the “upper” age limit is removed. If a person entered the country before turned 16 and meets other requirements (regardless how old the person is now), the person can apply.
The continuous residence requirement now starts from January 1, 2010
The “old” DACA provided relief to those who could prove that they stayed in the U.S. from June 15, 2007. Now, that time line has shifted to January 1, 2010.
New DACA renewal and Work Authorization will be valid for Three (3) years
The New DACA will give employment authorization and temporary status for three years, opposed two years as it was previously. This rule applies to those who will be applying for DACA for the first time, and those who will be renewing their DACA status.
The Fee for DACA application charged by the government is $465
Please note that attorney’s fees vary, however, the government fee is set at $465. A beneficiary if DACA may later adjust his/her status if has a US immediate relative who can petition for them. Please note DACA is not by itself a permanent residency status and directly does not provide a path to “green card” or citizenship. However, it allows a person to obtain an advance parole and cure “illegal entry” issue in most cases. Submit your questions by calling 917-885-2261 or visiting www.shautsova.com