On September 5, 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced President Trump’s decision that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive action was withdrawn and cancelled. Approximately 800,000 people have been granted DACA.
Here are answers to common questions related to the termination of DACA:
Q: I never applied but I came to the USA before I was 16 and I think I qualify. IS IT TOO LATE TO APPLY?
A: YES it’s too late. If you never applied for DACA and do not have DACA or a DACA application pending you cannot apply. NO new applications will be accepted by USCIS.
Q: I already have DACA. Can I renew it and my work permit too?
A: YES. Due to a federal court decision individuals previously granted DACA may still renew their DACA status.
Q: What else can I do to stay in the USA and not get deported?
A: Talk to a Lawyer. Talk to an experienced immigration lawyer as soon as possible. You may be eligible for another type of status. A surprising number of people who came forward to apply for DACA were eligible for something better and more permanent. Before making any decisions which could impact your future status, speak to a qualified experienced immigration lawyer.
Be careful who you take advice from. Don’t get scammed!
AND FINALLY- don’t give up.
Congress may finally feel the pressure to act now and pass a law for permanent protection for Dreamers.
Pending legislation is as follows:
- In the House of Representatives:
H.R. 3440 Dream Act - In the Senate:
S. 1615 Dream Act
Figure out who your congress people are and ask them to support the DREAM ACT.
www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
CLICK ON “CHOOSE A STATE” to get contact information for your Senators. The two Florida Senators are Bill Nelson and Marco Rubio.
www.house.gov/representatives/find/
Enter your Zip Code to find the Representative(s) for your District.
