DACA is back! On December 4, 2020 the district court demanded that USCIS begin accepting initial DACA applications and extend work authorization to two years again.
However, DACA is still at risk. On December 22nd Texas Judge Hanan will be listening to arguments on whether to terminate the DACA program as a whole.
Click here for more history.
On July 28, 2020 the Department of Homeland Security issued a memo stating USCIS will reject all initial DACA applications and advance parole applications while they decide what to do with the DACA program. In the interim, all current DACA recipients’ applications will be renewed for a one year period.
Since the inception of the program, Alliance San Diego has stood in solidarity with Dreamers and we stand with you now. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news on DACA.
DACA Renewals
All DACA renewals are now valid for 2 years. If you received work authorization for only one year, USCIS will extend your authorization for two years. We provide representation for DACA renewals. If you would like assistance with your renewal, please sign up to schedule an appointment.
Initial DACA Applications
USCIS is now accepting initial DACA applications! We provide representation for initial DACA applicants. If you would like assistance with your application, please sign up to schedule an appointment.
Click here for the list of documents required to complete your initial DACA application.
Who Qualifies?
Individuals who were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012 and:
- Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of filing
- Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from highschool, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Benefits of DACA
- Protection from deportation for 2 years
- Renewable work authorization every 2 years, as long as the program continues and you remain eligible;
- Ability to apply for a Social Security Number;
- Ability to apply for a REAL ID
See answers to the most frequently asked questions about DACA such as eligibility, work permits, SSNs, and advanced parole. You can also find the latest news about DACA and further resources here.
Attend one of our FREE informational sessions to learn about the latest on DACA, other forms of immigration relief, know your rights and family preparedness.
Sign up for our Dreamer newsletter to get the latest updates on the program.
Other Resources
Don’t know what to do when approached by immigration officials? Click here to know your rights.
Important resources from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
College financial aid. Learn about about important resources.
Border Dreamer Itzel Maganda embarks on an emotional journey to her home country of Mexico on advanced parole to visit a place she only remembers in her dreams. Watch as she explores a country she barely knows, and meets with deported veterans and deported moms in the border city of Tijuana, before returning to her home in San Diego.