What Is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a kind of administrative relief from deportation. The purpose of DACA is to protect eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives young undocumented immigrants: 1) protection from deportation, and 2) a work permit. The program expires after two years, subject to renewal.
What Are The Requirements For DACA?
- You were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012;
- You first came to the United States before your 16th birthday;
- You have lived continuously in the United States from June 15, 2007 until the present;
- You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and at the time you apply;
- You came to the United States without documents before June 15, 2012, or your lawful status expired as of June 15, 2012;
- You are currently studying, or you graduated from high school or earned a certificate of completion of high school or GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or military (technical and trade school completion also qualifies); and
- You have NOT been convicted of a felony, certain significant misdemeanors (including a single DUI), or three or more misdemeanors of any kind. Consult with an attorney about ANY contact you have had with law enforcement or immigration authorities.
What’s the Process to Renew My DACA?
All DACA renewals are being accepted by USCIS. Consult a qualified attorney before submitting any application to immigration authorities, particularly if you have had any contact with police or any unauthorized absences from the U.S.:
- Get Help: Don’t apply alone.
- If you’re a UH system student, we encourage you to make an appointment with:
Sherry Nohara
Worldwide Migration Partners
(808) 683-9446
sherry@WorldwideMigrationPartners.com
www.WorldwideMigrationPartners.comto discuss eligibility for DACA and/or other immigration benefits.
- UH students can also contact John Egan (jregan@hawaii.edu), director of the Refugee and Immigration Law Clinic at the Richardson School of Law.
- If you’re a UH system student, we encourage you to make an appointment with:
- Collect Evidence: See below for a detailed list of required documents. Remember to only send copies (not originals) of supporting documents.
- Complete Applications:
- G-28 – Notice of Entry of Appearance As Attorney (Optional)
- G-1145 – E-Notification (Optional)
- Form I-821D – Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals;
- Form I-765 – Application for a Work Permit; and
- Form I-765WS – Worksheet explaining your economic need to work.
- Submit Applications: Include all supporting documents, two photos and fees. The fee is $495.00 (pay using a check or money order payable to Department of Homeland Security). Mail to:USCIS Phoenix Lockbox
PO Box 20700
Phoenix, Arizona 85036-0700 - Background Check and Fingerprints: You will receive a receipt by mail that contains your receipt number and an appointment notice to get your fingerprints taken for a background check.
- Final Steps: Once you have been fingerprinted, you will receive either a letter asking for additional information (called a Request for Evidence) or a final decision. Approvals of DACA renewals are sometimes received as quickly as five weeks, but often take a few months from the date of application.
How Do I Apply for DACA If It’s My First Application Ever?
DACA Renewal
Additional DACA Resources
- FAQs from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (March 2018)
- Infographic on who is eligible to apply now (Jan. 2018)
- Step-by-Step Guide for DREAMers Applying for DACA
- Deferred Action FAQs
- Suggested Documentation Evidence
- Advice on Getting Legal Help
- Comparison of Benefits and Rights Based on Immigration Status
- Undocumented Student Tuition: Overview (March 2019)
- National Immigration Law Center DACA Updates