DACA
After a presidential election filled with hateful anti-immigrant rhetoric, immigrant communities face new risks and dangers when Donald Trump becomes president on January 20, 2017. It’s important to remember that EVERYONE in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. We will defend those rights. We are united in our resolve to fight for immigrant justice and protect our families, friends and communities. A growing number of state and local elected leaders are also committed to protecting those rights.
It’s too early to know exactly what changes will take place after January 20, 2017. But we know that President-elect Trump has promised to cancel every executive action issued by President Obama, including immigration executive actions, on his first day in office. That means that the 740,000+ people who received Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) need information to make important decisions.
Here is information that will help you make decisions about DACA between now and January 20, 2017. Stay informed and keep checking as this information may change if President-elect Trump makes new announcements.
IS DACA STILL IN EFFECT?
Yes. DACA is in effect until President-elect Trump acts to end it. That can’t happen until he becomes president on January 20, 2017.
I HAVE NEVER APPLIED FOR DACA AND JUST TURNED 15 YEARS OLD. I AM NOW ELIGIBLE FOR DACA. SHOULD I APPLY?
Applying for the first time now is risky. You will be exposing yourself to the government for the first time.
I HAVE DACA NOW, SHOULD I APPLY FOR A RENEWAL?
Yes, UNLESS you have a criminal arrest, charge or conviction, or have traveled outside the U.S. without permission. If you are going to apply for a renewal, you should apply right away. There is still time for the application to be approved. But if DACA is ended by the new president before your renewal is approved, you will lose your application fee ($465 now and $495 starting December 23, 2016).
I HAVE DACA AND I ALSO HAVE PERMISSION TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S. WITH ADVANCE PAROLE. SHOULD I TRAVEL?
It depends. Traveling even with advance parole can be risky. Because of the uncertainty over DACA, there is even more risk. If you have permission and must travel, you should return to the U.S. as quickly as possible, by early January 2017.
I HAVE DACA BUT I DON’T HAVE PERMISSION TO TRAVEL. CAN I APPLY FOR IT NOW?
You can apply, but it is probably too late to get a decision before January 20, 2017 and you might lose your filing fee ($360 now and $575 starting December 23, 2016). If you have an emergency, it may be possible to get a decision faster. Check with a qualified legal representative right away before you decide to apply. Find legal help here. DO NOT TRAVEL WITHOUT PERMISSION.
I HAVE DACA BUT AM AFRAID THAT ICE WILL COME TO ARREST ME AFTER JANUARY 20. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You have rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Find KNOW YOUR RIGHTS information here.
