UNDOCUMENTED "DREAMER" YOUTHS CAN NOW DELAY DEPORTATION FOR TWO MORE YEARS

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June 8, 2014(San Diego)--This week, Secretary of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, announced the renewal process for undocumented youth who have been granted deferred action from deportation through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

At the time that DACA was made available in 2012, the Dreamer Assistance Network (DAN), a collaboration of legal, faith, and community organizations, formed to assist DACA applicants.

A statement released this week on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website stated the following:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has submitted to the Federal Register an updated form to allow individuals previously enrolled in DACA, to renew their deferral for a period of two years. At the direction of the Secretary, effective immediately, USCIS will begin accepting renewal requests. USCIS will also continue to accept requests for DACA from individuals who have not previously sought to access the program.  As of April 2014, more than 560,000 individuals have received DACA.

Youth granted DACA should be aware that the first DACA permits will begin to expire in September of 2014. Youth should reapply at least 3 months but no more than 5 months prior to the expiration of their work permit. Renewal applicants are not required to resubmit evidence previously included in prior applications. The fee for renewal application remains at $465.

Background: When the DACA program became available on August 15, 2012, the Dreamer Assistance Network held informational forums at schools and community colleges throughout the county, which were attended by the thousands of youth and their families, anxious to know about the program and how to apply.

Since August 2012, DAN has assisted and processed over 500 DACA applications through application workshops that offer free legal assistance.

"The Dreamer Assistance Network has developed an easy, quick and professional model for assisting applicants, and we encourage those who are considering to reapply to do it the right way rather than right away," states Daniel Alfaro.  He continues, "Because of our approach, DAN has become a trusted go-to resource for DACA applicants and their families."

The Dreamer Assistance Network welcomes the announcement of the renewal process and looks forward to continue its efforts to assist youth in renewing their DACA permits, a statement issued by the group indicates. For more information on upcoming events  visit www.DreamerAssistance.org.   

 


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