DACA is Ending. Here is What You Need to Know.
The Trump Administration announced yesterday that it is ending DACA by March 5, 2018. Immigration Counseling Service (ICS), Oregon’s oldest nonprofit law firm representing immigrants, victims of human trafficking and unaccompanied minors since 1978, remains committed to supporting our immigrant community members and ensuring access to justice for all immigrants.Important facts for DACA holders, their employers and schools:· Initial and renewal DACA applications that were filed as of September 5 will continue to be adjudicated in due course.· The deadline to file a DACA application for renewal is October 5, 2017. All current DACA holders whose DACA expire between today and March 5, 2018 are eligible to renew their DACA but must do so by no later than October 5.· All work permits issued to DACA holders continue to be valid until the expiration date on the permit.· DACA holders should continue to save evidence of their continuous U.S. presence, including school transcripts, household bills, rent or mortgage receipts, medical records, taxes and paystubs.· Your work permit and your DACA approval notice are your only proof that you are a DACA recipient and you should keep them in a safe place.· Please note that you should not travel outside the U.S. without advanced permission from Immigration. The Department of Homeland Security will no longer grant DACA recipients travel abroad through Advance ParoleDACA recipients are encouraged to seek legal counsel to ensure their rights. If you are affected by today’s announcement, you should immediately consult a qualified immigration organization or attorney regarding your rights and potential legal options. Visit www.ics-law.org for current news and services.Ways you can help:1. Donate today! As a non-profit providing legal services to low-income immigrants, we are in need of funds to help us offset the cost of legal services to our clients. Your generous gifts help us provide free and low cost legal help to the most vulnerable members of Oregon’s communities. https://www.ics-law.org///2. Call your legislator! Legislation has been introduced in Congress to protect the DACA program, and to provide DACA-qualified young people a road to citizenship. The BRIDGE Act would protect the DACA program for 3 years while the DREAM Act would give young people the chance to get a green card and eventually become US citizens. Please contact your Senators and US Representative to ask them to support legislation to protect DACA recipients. http://www.oregonir.org/how-contact-oregon-congressional-delegation