What to Know About DACA
[list] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]If you received DACA before and your DACA expires before 2020, you can still submit your DACA request as renewal.[/li] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]If you received DACA before and your DACA expired before September 5, 2016, or your DACA was canceled earlier at any time, you can apply for DACA as renewal, but you would be required to provide all the documentation needed as if it was an initial request for DACA.[/li] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]If you have never had DACA before, you may not submit an application now. Only people who have had DACA at some point in the past can submit a renewal application.[/li] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]USCIS will handle the processing of DACA cases with more than 150 days left before expiration. USCIS encourages DACA recipients to complete their renewal application during the 120-150 day window before expiration to provide enough time for processing and to avoid a lapse in their DACA.[/li] [/list]
Know Your Rights Everyone
Both documented and undocumented persons have rights in this country. Visit one of our offices & talk to a LUPE immigration services provider to understand your legal options and if you might be eligible for another immigration benefit. Click here for more information
If you have an encounter with Border Patrol, DPS State Troopers, or a local police department and you believe your rights were violated, please call the ACLU abuse documentation line at 956-365-9167.
Work Permits
If the DACA program ends but you are allowed to keep your work permit, you have the right to work legally until your work permit’s expiration date.
[list] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]Even if the DACA program ends, you have no obligation to inform your employer that DACA has ended. Your employer does not have the right to ask you whether you are a DACA recipient or how you got your work permit.[/li] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]Your employer does not have the right to fire you, put you on leave, or change your work status until after your work permit has expired. If your expiration date is nearing, your employer may ask you for an updated work permit but cannot take any action against you until after it is expired.[/li] [/list]
Social Security Numbers (SSNs)
Your SSN is a valid SSN number for life, even once your work permit and DACA approval expires.
[list] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]If you have not done so already, apply for a SSN while your DACA and work permit are still valid.[/li] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]You can and should continue to use the SSN you got under DACA as your SSN even after your work permit expires. (You can use your SSN for education, banking, housing and other purposes.)[/li] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]Your SSN contains a condition on it that requires a valid work permit to use it for employment purposes.t[/li] [/list]Driver’s Licenses and Other ID’s
Eligibility for these depends on the state in which you live. If you have not already done so, apply for a driver’s license or state identification card if your DACA is still valid and that makes you eligible for a driver’s license or state-issued identification card in your state.
Travel on Advance Parole
DACA recipients should not travel abroad on advance parole.
[list] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”]Advance Parole is no longer available.[/li] [/list]Criminal Issues
Any criminal arrest, charge, or conviction can put you at risk with immigration authorities.
[list] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”] Avoid contact with law enforcement that may result in a criminal arrest. If you end up being arrested, make sure to consult an expert immigration attorney.[/li] [li type=”glyphicon-arrow-right”] If you have a criminal conviction, find out if it can be changed to lessen the impact on a future immigration case you may have.[/li] [/list]
