Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Previously, deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) was available to those who were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, entered the country before June 15, 2007 as children under the age of 16, and met educational and public safety criteria.

DACA provided deferral for a period of two (2) years, and a renewal period for an additional two years.  Now, DACA will no longer have the age cap, and the date-of-entry requirement will be adjusted.  Additionally, work authorization has been expanded from two-years to three-years.

Renewals will also be extended to three-years. Based on these changes, individuals can apply for DACA deferral if they: Entered the U.S. before the age of 16; andEntered the U.S. before January 1, 2010.The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), will begin accepting applications under the new DACA criteria from applicants no later than ninety (90) days from the memo date, (no later than February 18, 2015).