The Aguirre Law Firm

Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson announced today the process for individuals to renew enrollment in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. USCIS is now allowing individuals who previously applied for DACA to renew for a new  term of two years. Effective immediately, USCIS will begin accepting renewal requests.

The first DACA approvals will begin to expire in September 2014, so it is important to apply before your work authorization expires. Current holders of DACA must apply for renewal before the expiration of their DACA. We recommend to apply approximately 120 days (four months) before expiration.

You may apply for DACA renewal if you continue to meet the initial requirements and also these additional guidelines:

• Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
• Have continuously resided in the United States since they submitted their most recent DACA request that was approved; and
• Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
• The renewal process begins by filing a NEW Version of the form “Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,”

There is a filing fee and a biometrics fee for applying in the amount of $465. Processing DACA renewals will remain the same as the initial application with the background check

We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions or if you like to renew.