DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA)

On June 15, 2012, President Barack Obama announced a change in immigration policy that would provide relief from deportation for young people who meet certain requirements. Deferred action is a temporary measure and does not change the person’s existing immigration status, but someone granted this relief is eligible for work authorization and will not be deported. On August 15, 2012, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) immediately began accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for eligible youth.

Since the DACA program began, more than 600,000 applications have been granted to allow these young individuals a chance to contribute to the country they call home. But this is only a temporary fix for DREAMers. The best solution for our country and our economy is for the House to vote on and pass comprehensive immigration reform.

DEFERRED ACTION FOR PARENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY (DAPA)

On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced further changes to expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. In addition, USCIS will create the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program to allow parents of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to request deferred action and employment authorization if they:

  • Have continuous residence in the United States since January 1, 2010;
  • Are the parents of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident born on or before November 20, 2014; and
  • Are not an enforcement priority for removal from the United States

If you or someone you know may qualify for the new deferred action programs, know that:

  • You cannot currently apply for either expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). It’s estimated that the application period will begin approximately in February for those eligible for expanded DACA, and in May for those eligible for DAPA.
  • Beware of immigration scams! Often advertising as “notarios,” there may be individuals who will falsely claim that you can apply immediately or that they can put you at the front of the line.
  • Start gathering documents that prove you were in the U.S. on November 20, 2014; that you have been in the U.S. since January 1, 2010; and, if applicable, that your son or daughter is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  • Visit USCIS.gov to stay updated on the latest news about applying for these programs or contact the Democratic Caucus office at 202-225-1400 for more information.