DACA FAQ (12/7/2020)

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What is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, also known as DACA, is a program that gives protection from deportation to young immigrants who came to the US as children and meet certain requirements but has to be renewed every year and pay a fee.

Who can apply for DACA status?

You can apply for DACA status as new applicant if you:

  1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012. You must also be at least 15 years or older to request DACA, unless you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order, in which case you can apply before turning 15;
  2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
  3. Have lived in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
  4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for DACA;
  5. Had no lawful immigration status as of June 15, 2012;
  6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
  7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
  8. Tenías menos de 31 años al 15 de junio de 2012. También debes tener al menos 15 años o más para solicitar DACA, a menos que estés actualmente en proceso de deportación o tengas una expulsión final o una orden de salida voluntaria, en cuyo caso puede aplicar antes de cumplir 15 años;
  9. Llegó a los Estados Unidos antes de cumplir los 16 años;
  10. Haber vivido en los Estados Unidos desde el 15 de junio de 2007 hasta la actualidad;
  11. Estuve físicamente presente en los Estados Unidos el 15 de junio de 2012 y al momento de realizar su solicitud de DACA;
  12. No tenía estatus migratorio legal al 15 de junio de 2012;
  13. Está actualmente en la escuela, se ha graduado u obtenido un certificado de finalización de la escuela secundaria, ha obtenido un certificado de desarrollo de educación general (GED) o es un veterano dado de baja honorablemente de la Guardia Costera o las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos; y
  14. No haber sido condenado por un delito mayor, un delito menor significativo o tres o más delitos menores, y no representa una amenaza para la seguridad nacional o la seguridad pública.

When do you have to renew your DACA?

You should renew 120 to 150 days before your DACA expires.

How much does it cost to renew?

The price remains $495.  

My DACA is expired, can I still renew?

Yes. If your DACA expired a year ago or less, you can still renew normally. If your DACA expired more than a year ago, you can still renew, but as an initial application. If you fall in this category, we recommend you consult with an immigration attorney.

Where can I get help with Questions about DACA?

Email DACA United SC at [email protected].

Where can I learn more about DACA and other important issues affecting immigrants in South Carolina?

Visit scjustice.org (this website!) to learn more about the work SC Appleseed does and find resources for immigrants in South Carolina.