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DACA: Frequently Asked Questions

Provided by Humera Subhani

October 2017

On September 5, 2017, President Trump ordered an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that shields young undocumented immigrants from deportation. Urging Congress to pass a solution for the “Dreamers,” he said the existing program would be phased out in six months.

As early as March 2018, officials said, some of the 800,000 young adults brought to the United States illegally as children who qualify for the program may lose jobs, have to leave studies, and risk being deported. However, there are several bills in Congress which could bring a resolution, such as the Dream Act, the American Hope Act, RAC Act, etc. In addition, several lawsuits have already been filed against the Trump administration by numerous states, universities, and individuals. As this happened suddenly, many Dreamers are anxious and have questions.

• Is my current DACA still valid and for how long?
Yes, if you have a current DACA and work permit (EAD), they are valid until the expiration date.

• Can I renew my DACA and work permit?
If your DACA expired already and you did not file before September 5, 2017, you can no longer apply. If your DACA expires between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018, you may apply by October 5, 2017 for a two-year renewal. If your DACA expires March 6, 2018, or later, you will not be able to apply to renew it.

• What if I have just qualified for DACA and have filed an initial request?
If your initial request was filed before September 5, 2017, USCIS has indicated that it will continue adjudicating the request. However, you cannot file any initial request after September 5, 2017. The October deadline only applies to renewal requests.

• What if my EAD card was lost, stolen, or destroyed but was still valid?
You can file a Form I-765 and request a replacement card, which will have the same expiration date.

• Can I still travel with my current Advance Parole document based on DACA?
Effective September 5, 2017, USCIS will no longer approve any new Form I-131 applications for advance parole based on DACA. Those with a current advance parole will retain the benefit until it expires. However, CBP will retain the authority it has always exercised in determining the admissibility of any person presenting at the border. Also, USCIS retains the authority to revoke or terminate an advance parole document at any time. USCIS has basically stated that you travel at your own risk.

APPLICATION FINAL ACTION DATES FOR October 2017

FAMILY	India	Pakistan/Bangladesh
1st	22Dec10	22Dec10
2A	22Oct15	22Oct15
2B	08Nov10	08Nov10
3rd	22Jul05	22Jul05
4th	01Oct03	08May04

EMPLOYMENT	India	Pakistan/Bangladesh
1st	Current	Current
2nd	15Sep08	Current
3rd	15Oct06	Current
Other	15Oct06	Current
4th	Current	Current
5th	Current	Current1B

DATES FOR FILING VISA APPLICATIONS - October 2017

FAMILY	India	Pakistan/Bangladesh
1st	01Jan12	01Jan12
2A	01Nov16	01Nov16
2B	01Sep11	01Sep11
3rd	01Dec05	01Dec05
4th	22Jun04	15Nov04

EMPLOYMENT	India	Pakistan/Bangladesh
1st	Current	Current
2nd	08Feb09	Current
3rd	01Jan08	Current
Other	01Jan08	Current
4th	Current	Current
5th	Current	Current1B