Since the publication of the 3rd edition of this guide in 2016, the DACA program has undergone a number of policy and processing changes. While this publication is still available for purchase, please visit our DACA page for updated information.
This third edition of DACA: The Essential Legal Guide is an updated, comprehensive and practice-oriented overview of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This manual is based on the Immigrant Legal Resource Center’s more than two decades of community education, outreach, training and technical assistance on issues impacting immigrant youth, as well as the new information and experience we have gleaned over the course of the DACA program thus far. Thorough and user-friendly, this manual consists of eleven easy to read and understand chapters and appendices, covering the DACA eligibility requirements, the entire process of representing a DACA applicant from the initial client meeting to the closing of the client case, a detailed discussion of the criminal bars to DACA, tips on how to help clients obtain the necessary documentation to apply, best practices on how to fill out all of the immigration forms, and helpful suggestions on both procedural issues and ways to effectively work with DACA applicants. We also offer guidance on other immigration law risks or benefits that may affect DACA applicants. This third edition reflects new information and clarifications that have emerged during the DACA program’s implementation, provides in-depth analysis of criminal and juvenile issues, and expands on what applicants can do after they receive DACA, such as travel on advance parole and even in some cases adjust their status to permanent residence. Included are sample documents and forms, practice advisories, helpful guides, numerous examples demonstrating the legal concepts, and many other essential tools for both private attorneys and non-profit practitioners to prepare and support a DACA applicant with her request.
