Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA/DAPA)

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration option for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States before the age of 16. Although DACA does not provide a pathway to lawful permanent residence, it does provide temporary protection from deportation, work authorization, and the ability to apply for a social security number.

As a supporter of immigrant youth, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) has long advocated for policies to benefit the undocumented community. Through this work, the ILRC developed the only comprehensive manual on the topic, DACA: The Essential Legal Guide. We conduct trainings and provide technical support to immigration practitioners assisting individuals in the application process, and advocate at the federal level for a broadly inclusive DACA program.

Latest in DACA

ILRC Submits Comment on USCIS Fee Rule

12/23/2019

On December 23, 2019, ILRC submitted a comment in opposition of the Department of Homeland Security’s notice of proposed rulemaking titled, “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements,” published in the Federal Register on November 14, 2019, with supplemental information published on December 9, 2019. The proposed...

Public Charge Exemptions and Considerations

12/17/2019

It is important to remember that immigration law and regulations exempt some categories of immigrants from public charge inadmissibility and provide many types of immigration status that are not subject to the public charge ground of inadmissibility. This advisory provides an overview of the exemptions to public charge inadmissibility and the forms of relief a client may seek without being...

Fee Waivers: Status of Proposed Changes

12/16/2019

Recent attacks on the current fee waiver system threaten the access of low-income individuals to immigration benefits they are otherwise eligible to receive. This practice advisory provides an overview of the proposed changes as well as some practice tips for how to fight these harmful changes and best support low-income clients.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Completing FOIA Requests with DHS

12/13/2019

A FOIA request can be an invaluable tool in immigration law to help an immigrant and their representative. This guide details how to complete a FOIA request for USCIS, ICE, OBIM, and CBP. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to complete Form G-639, and also includes tips about alternatives to Form G-639, such as online submission options.

How to Check if You Have a Criminal Record

11/26/2019

This guide provides step-by-step guidance on how to check if you have a criminal record from the FBI and state government agencies.

DACA