Resources for DACA Renewers and Briefing Call Recap

A big thanks to all of you who participated in last month’s briefing call and shared your experience with the DACA renewals process so far. You raised a number of concerns, from the impact of the $465 filing fee to slow USCIS processing times that may put recipients’ employment authorization at risk. We also heard about a lack of awareness among some recipients regarding the need to renew their DACA, the importance of renewing on time, and the proper time to submit their applications.

While many providers have turned their attention to preparing for implementation of the DAPA and expanded DACA programs that are currently tied up in the courts, there are some great resources available specifically to help DACA recipients navigate the renewals process. We have highlighted a few of these resources below, but hope you will help us add to the list with anything your organization has created or found useful. Please take a look and let us know in the comments if there are additional resources you’d like to share!

• The American Immigration Lawyers’ Association released three Public Service Announcements for AILA members and the public in order to highlight the importance for DACA grantees to renew within 120-150 days prior to the expiration of their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the importance of receiving legal advice before applying for DACA.

• The National Immigrant Justice Center has created a DACA Renewal Hub, providing those who sign up with email updates about free DACA clinics, how to renew one’s DACA, and other DACA-related resources.

• The National Immigration Law Center offers a DACA Renewal Calculator, where DACA renewal requestors can enter the expiration date of their EAD and learn when their renewal timeframe is.

• United We Dream has created a DACA renewal network, providing those who sign up with DACA renewal webinars/broadcasts, a personalized DACA renewal plan, notifications regarding DACA renewal via text and email, an online application tool, and information regarding free or low cost legal assistance.

Please feel free to post additional resources in the comments, and to share your own experiences working with DACA youth as they prepare and submit their renewal applications.