Important Changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program

Along with the new DAPA program, President Obama announced major changes to the DACA program.

  • The previous applicant cut-off age of 31-years-old has been removed;
  • The date of an applicant’s for continuous residence in the U.S. has been advanced from June 15, 2007 to January 1, 2010;
  • Work permits will now be granted for 3 years, rather than 2 years.

To qualify for DACA under the new rules applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Entered the United States before your 16th birthday
  • Have continuously resided in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 and been present in the U.S. on November 20, 2014.
  • Entered the U.S. without inspection on or before January 1, 2010, or your immigration status expired as of November 20, 2014.
  • Have not been convicted of a felony offense, significant misdemeanor, multiple misdemeanors, nor otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Applicants may apply for 3-year work permits starting on November 24th, 2014; the rest of the changes mentioned above will take effect in late March 2015. Please contact our office if you have any questions or require assistance with your case.