The Latest News on DACA Renewals

Federal Court Orders DACA Renewals to Continue

On January 9, 2018, a federal judge in California ordered a halt to the federal government’s termination of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

In the federal court case, the judge granted a preliminary injunction, a temporary order blocking the termination of the DACA program while the case goes forward. The federal court’s decision requires U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to begin accepting DACA renewal applications again. Even though the court case was heard in a U.S. district court in California, the decision and the renewal process apply to eligible DACA recipients nationwide.

Please note that USCIS is not accepting requests from individuals who have never before been granted deferred action under the DACA program.

Qualifications for DACA Renewal

If you previously received DACA but it expired on or after September 5, 2016, you may still file your DACA request as a renewal request.

If you previously received DACA but your DACA expired before September 5, 2016, you can request to have your DACA renewed. However, you must fill out the application as if you were applying for the first time.

If you had DACA but your DACA issuance was cut short by the Department of Homeland Security, you can apply to renew your DACA by filling out the DACA application as if you were applying for the first time.

How Soon Should You Apply for DACA Renewal?

Although DACA recipients are now allowed to request renewal of their DACA status, the future of the DACA program remains uncertain. We do know that the federal government plans to appeal the federal court decision. When to apply for DACA becomes a personal decision based on what makes sense to you-applying as soon as possible or waiting. There is no hard deadline for submitting renewal applications.

How to Prepare for Your DACA Renewal Request

In the years between your initial DACA request and your renewal request, new legal issues may have occurred that require consulting with a legal expert on immigration. Problems may involve citations, arrests, criminal charges or convictions, and deportation orders. Make sure that you know your legal rights in your current situation regarding DACA renewal.

Consult with an Expert Immigration Attorney Today

“If you have any questions or concerns about these new developments pertaining to DACA renewals and deadlines, consult with an attorney who concentrates exclusively on immigration cases to ensure that the legal advice is sound,” said Sassoun A. Nalbandian, lead attorney for Nalbandian Law, a 5-star immigration firm in Los Angeles.

Call today – (818) 244-0310 – and schedule a consultation with Mr. Nalbandian. He will review your case carefully and advise you on the best action to take regarding your situation.