FAQs on DACA

What is DACA?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program implemented by Executive Order that provides protection from deportation to qualifying undocumented immigrants.  To qualify, an individual must have come to the United States before the age of 16 and continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007.  The individual must be in school or have graduated high school, obtained a GED certificate, or been honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces.  Individuals who have a criminal record that includes a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors do not qualify. 

What does the presidential administration rescission of DACA mean?

On September 5, 2017, the Department of Justice announced that the Trump administration is ending the DACA program.  The end of the program has been described as a “phasing out” of the program.  This means that those individuals who have been granted DACA will continue to possess DACA benefits (protection from deportation and work authorization) until the current expiration of their DACA authorization.  Those individuals whose work authorization (employment authorization card) expires before March 5, 2018, may renew their work authorization, provided their renewal application is filed by October 5, 2017.  No new applications for DACA will be accepted.  All pending applications for travel authorization filed by DACA grantees will be returned and filing fees refunded.

What will happen to DACA grantees?

After a DACA grantee’s authorization has expired, the individual will no longer possess protection from deportation and may be placed in removal proceedings (immigration court).  DACA grantees may be eligible for other types of immigration relief.  It is also possible that Congress could pass a law to offer immigration relief to DACA grantees, but at the time this FAQ was posted, there is no law that would protect DACA grantees once their DACA authorization expires.

What should I do if I have been granted DACA?

DACA grantees should first take a look at their employment authorization cards to determine if they may be eligible for a renewal of their work authorization, as described above.  DACA grantees are encouraged to consider their options once their DACA authorization expires and consult with experienced immigration counsel to explore available options for immigration relief. 
 

When can we expect a ruling from the Supreme Court?

A ruling from the Court may come any day now. Decisions are announced via the Supreme Court’s website (www.supremecourt.gov) on Monday mornings.

To sign-up to receive text notification from the Ignatian Solidary Network once a decision is reached:

Text “DACAEN” to 202-800-1541 for English
Text “DACAES” to 202-800-1541 for Español

 

 

 

Resources for DACA Students

Home is Here (homeishere.us) – A clearinghouse of important resources from a variety of key sources

Department of Homeland Security, Frequently Asked Questions; Rescission Of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/09/05/frequently-asked-questions-rescission-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca

National Immigration Law Center

https://www.nilc.org/issues/daca

American Immigration Council

https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org

United We Dream

https://unitedwedream.org

United We Dream Mental Health Toolkit

https://unitedwedream.org/2017/10/mental-health-toolkit

Remember the Dreamers

https://www.rememberthedreamers.org

Rockhurst University does not provide legal services to students.  We maintain a list of immigration attorneys and services in the community who are knowledgeable about the DACA community.   We are happy to provide you with a list of those community resources.  Please contact  Dr. Matthew Quick, vice president and dean of students (Massman 1; 816-935-3259; matt.quick@rockhurst.edu) if you are in need of assistance or support.