DHS Will not Process New DACA Applicants, Limit Renewals to One Year, and Will not Process Advance Parole

DHS announced today that USCIS will not accept initial DACA filings, will limit DACA renewals to one year, and will not accept DACA applications for advance parole except in extraordinary circumstances. These measures will remain in place until DHS has time to reconsider the DACA program.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 18 that the Trump Administration failed to provide an adequate justification for terminating the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This decision means that the DACA program will remain in place for the time being.  To learn more about the DACA program please click here. However, since the Supreme Court’s decision, USCIS and the Trump Administration have not processed any DACA applications. They have not “granted nor rejected” any applications but have rather put them “on hold” as the government discusses the future of the program.

This means that existing DACA beneficiaries can continue to apply for renewal of deportation relief and employment authorization. However the application will only be granted on a one year basis instead of the previous two years. New DACA applications and applications for travel authorization will be rejected and the filing fee returned. DACA applicants should also expect higher scrutiny for their applications.