As the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is being phased out, many immigrants are faced with uncertainty. DACA protected approximately 800,000 undocumented immigrants from deportation and allowed them to legally work. With these protections removed, thousands of young adults are vulnerable to removal to a country they may not remember. With the end of DACA, our immigration attorneys are here to help you understand how these changes will affect you.
What Will Happen to Current DACA Holders?
If you had applied or renewed before the deadline of September 5th, 2017, or were already a DACA holder, you will continue to receive the period of deferred action and employment authorization until it is expired. You will not be able to renew your DACA enrollment.
If your renewal date falls in between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018, you will need to renew before October 5, 2017.
What Will Happen to My DACA Benefits When They Expire?
Because those who are registered for the DACA program are still considered undocumented immigrants, you will become eligible for removal once more once our registration expires. Currently, you are protected from deportation actions, but these protections will disappear. Additionally, you will lose your authorization to legally work in the U.S.
Once My DACA Benefits Expire, Will My Case Be Referred to ICE?
Under the current understanding, the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not proactively provide DACA recipients’ information to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for enforcement. There are exceptions, such as when the requestor meets the requirements for a Notice To Appear (NTA) or an ICE referral.
Additionally, if you have a pending application that has been denied, your information will not be forwarded to ICE and CBP, unless you meet the criteria for an NTA or an ICE referral, or are considered a threat to public safety or national security.
As DACA comes to a close, our Nassau County immigration lawyers know that hundreds of thousands of immigrants will soon become vulnerable to removal. At the Kapoor Law Firm, we are committed to helping your fight to remain in the country you call home. We are highly experienced in removal proceedings, and we can help you prevent your removal from the U.S.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your case with our legal team. Contact our offices online, or dial (516) 806-4070.
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