If you currently hold a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and you need to renew it, you still can. For the moment at least.
Despite the attempts of the current administration to close down the DACA scheme, it has not happened yet. Thanks to a series of legal challenges, the hopes of thousands of so-called Dreamers are still alive.
A Supreme Court hearing was due to take place in March to decide the fate of the DACA scheme, but this has been delayed due to the current circumstances. So if your DACA is about to run out, you should make sure to renew it now. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is currently allowing you to file your application online.
If you wish to submit an online request to renew your DACA, you need to meet certain conditions:
- You have previously had your DACA renewed
- You have lived in the country since the last time you had a successful DACA request
- You have not left the country since 2012
- You have not got into trouble with the law, specifically: You do not have three or more misdemeanors, or a significant misdemeanor or a felony on your record
- You complied with the original 2012 guidelines
Even though you can complete your DACA application online, you might not want to do it yourself. Qualified legal help can help make sure you get your application right. After all, this may be the most important form you have filled out in your entire life.