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DACA

U.S. Supreme Court Decision on DACA

DACA Decision in State of Texas, et al., v. United States of America

On July 16, 2021, the the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas held that the DACA policy "is illegal." Consistent with the court's order, DHS continues to accept the filing of both initial and renewal DACA requests, as well as accompanying requests for employment authorization. While DHS will continue to accept initial DACA applications, DHS is prohibited from granting initial DACA requests and petitions for employment authorization. DHS will continue to grant/deny DACA renewals according to existing policy.

Decisión de DACA en el Estado de Texas, et al., v. EE. UU.

El 16 de julio de 2021, el Tribunal de Distrito de los Estados Unidos para el Distrito Sur de Texas sostuvo que la política de DACA "es ilegal". De conformidad con esta orden el DHS continuará aceptando solicitudes de DACA tanto iniciales como de renovación, así como las solicitudes adjuntas de autorización de empleo. Sin embargo, de conformidad con la orden del 16 de julio de 2021 del Distrito Sur de Texas, el DHS tiene prohibido otorgar solicitudes iniciales de DACA y las solicitudes adjuntas de autorización de empleo. También de acuerdo con esa orden, DHS continuará otorgando o denegando solicitudes de renovación de DACA, de acuerdo con la política existente.

*COVID-19 pandemic may prohibit travel and there may be additional risks. Please consult an immigration attorney before proceeding with an initial application or an application for Advanced Parole.

CAN FIRST-TIME APPLICANTS APPLY FOR DACA?

According to the Supreme Court's decision, which affirmed the lower court's decision in the NAACP v. Trump case, initial DACA applications should be accepted. *

*The government has made no indication that it will accept initial applications at this time. Therefore, be prepared to have these applications possibly rejected or denied. Please have your case assessed by a competent trustworthy attorney to ensure eligibility, explore other legalization options, and be informed of risks involved. Individuals with criminal convictions should seek legal counsel.

WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA TO APPLY FOR DACA?

  • Thirty (30) years old or younger as of June 15, 2012
  • Entered the United States before the age of sixteen (16)
  • Physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012,
  • Continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007,
  • Either:
    • Currently in school;
    • Have graduated from High School or obtained GED; or
    • Honorably discharged from the military.
  • Have not been convicted of a felony or serious/multiple misdemeanor or pose a threat to the national security of the U.S.
  • Note: Prior orders of removal do not impact eligibility

WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NEEDED TO BEGIN THIS

APPLICATION PROCESS?

  • Birth Certificate
  • Copy of government-issued identification (i.e. passport, consular ID)
  • Two passport photos
  • High School Diploma, GED, or proof of current enrollment in school
  • Documentation establishing a presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012
  • Documentation establishing a physical presence in the U.S. from June 15, 2007, through the present (need multiple documents for each year).
  • Certified Criminal Records (if applicable)
  • Payment to Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $495.00
  • Legal fees paid to immigration attorney or DOJ accredited representative