New Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Filing Date

A date has now been released for filings based upon the new Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) requirements.  The date for those filings to be effective will be February 18, 2015.

What does this mean from a practical standpoint?  If you think you may be eligible under the new guidelines, now is the time to contact an attorney to evaluate your case and assist you in preparing your application.

Here are the guidelines for the expanded DACA from the USCIS website:

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program
Who	Individuals with no lawful immigration status who are seeking initial or renewal DACA.
What	Extends the deferred action period and employment authorization to three years from two years, and allows you to be considered for DACA if you: Entered the United States before the age of 16; Have lived in the United States continuously since at least January 1, 2010, rather than the prior requirement of June 15, 2007; Are of any age (removes the requirement to have been born prior to June 15, 1981); and Meet all the other DACA guidelines.
When	February 18, 2015 (USCIS will not accept requests for expanded DACA before that date.)