Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals Renewal & Application

If you were brought to the U.S. as a child and don’t have legal status, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) may provide you with temporary protection from deportation and the ability to work legally. The program has also faced legal challenges since the first Trump administration, making the renewal process uncertain and sometimes stressful. If you are a current DACA recipient, staying informed about policy changes and renewing on time is crucial to avoiding gaps in your status.

If you’re concerned about filing your DACA renewal, FileRight can help.

What is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a program created in 2012, provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to eligible undocumented people who were brought to the United States as children. While DACA doesn’t offer a path to citizenship, it allows recipients, often called Dreamers, to legally work, obtain a driver’s license in many states, and pursue higher education without the constant fear of removal from the country.

Since DACA is not a permanent solution, recipients must renew their status every two years to maintain their protection and work authorization. Unfortunately, the program has faced legal challenges and policy changes, making the renewal and application process much more complicated for many individuals.

During his first term, Trump attempted to end DACA, arguing that it was a gross overreach of executive power and should be decided by Congress. While the Supreme Court temporarily blocked his efforts in 2020, his administration continued to challenge the program. Now back in power, Trump has expressed an interest in ending this program, although there’s been no official announcement.

Who Can Apply for DACA?

Currently, only individuals who have already been granted DACA status can apply for renewal. Unfortunately, first-time applications are no longer an option due to ongoing legal disputes, and it doesn’t appear that this will change anytime soon. It is still very important for current DACA recipients to keep themselves informed about any changes to the program.

To be eligible for a DACA renewal, applicants must:

Have already been granted DACA status.
Have continuously resided in the United States since their last DACA approval.
Not have a criminal history and no convictions for felonies, a significant misdemeanor, or multiple misdemeanors.
Submit their renewal request before their current status expires to avoid gaps in protection.

Challenges in the DACA Process and How to Overcome Them

Renewing your DACA status can be stressful because of strict deadlines, ever-changing immigration rules, and complex paperwork. Many people worry about making mistakes or missing important steps. Since DACA is not a permanent program, the rules can change at any time, so it’s very important to stay informed. If your renewal is delayed or denied, you could lose your ability to work, go to school, or stay in the U.S. without the risk of deportation. USCIS highly recommends submitting your DACA renewal application four to five months before its expiration date.

Some common issues DACA applicants face include:

Missed Renewal Deadlines – If you do not renew on time, you could lose your work permit and DACA protections. This means you may not be able to legally work and could be at risk of deportation.
Incomplete Applications – Even small mistakes, like leaving out required information or forgetting to include supporting documents, can result in delays or denial.
Changing Policies – Because DACA is not a permanent program, the rules can change at any time. Court decisions and government policies may impact who can apply and what the renewal process looks like.
Application Fees – The renewal application requires a combined fee of $555. Those who cannot pay may need to look for financial assistance or legal help to complete their renewal.

To avoid these problems, it is vital to carefully complete and submit the renewal application well in advance, carefully check all documents, and stay up to date on any changes to DACA policy.

How FileRight Can Help with Your DACA Renewal

Renewing your DACA status can be stressful, but FileRight makes the process easier by offering expert assistance to help you avoid mistakes and delays. Our services include:

Eligibility Check: We verify that you meet the renewal requirements before you begin your application.
Step-by-Step Guidance: Our easy-to-follow software walks you through every section of the renewal form to ensure accuracy.
Error Checking: Our advanced review system scans your application for common errors before submission.
Document Assistance: We help you gather and organize the required documents so your application is complete.
Submission Instructions: We provide clear and streamlined guidance on where to send your application and how to track your submission.

Renewing your DACA status with guidance from FileRight can ease your worries and allow you to submit your application with the confidence that it’s accurate and error-free.

Additional Information About DACA

DACA does not grant the right to travel freely outside the United States or its territories. If you need to leave the country, you must apply for advance parole through USCIS. Unfortunately, getting approved for advance parole can be time-consuming and incredibly challenging and is typically only granted for specific reasons such as education, humanitarian needs, or certain work-related purposes, and usually isn’t granted to Dreamers. It’s important to note there is no guarantee that your request will be approved, so it’s important to plan accordingly before making any travel arrangements.

While DACA allows recipients to live and work in the U.S. for renewable two-year periods, it does not provide a direct path to citizenship. However, if you meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to apply for lawful permanent residency. If you’re granted a green card, you can eventually become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.

DACA also does not provide a shortcut to obtaining permanent residency. The process can take time, but some DACA recipients may be able to get a green card faster if they are sponsored by a U.S. citizen family member or through marriage to a U.S. citizen. If applying for permanent residency interests you, it’s important to understand your legal options.

FileRight Can Help You Through the DACA Renewal Process

We’ve had the privilege of helping countless Dreamers successfully renew their DACA status. With the continued benefits of this important program, it’s a great idea to renew early and ensure everything is done correctly. While the process can seem complex, FileRight’s expert guidance makes it much easier. With the support of a DACA legal expert, you can feel confident that your application is in good hands, giving you the best possible chance for approval.