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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

On June 2012, the Department of Homeland Security formally announced an initiative that allows young people that were brought to the United States as children, who do not present a risk to the national security or public safety, to be considered for deferred action and work authorization.

Can I be considered?

  • You came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday.
  • You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15 2007, up to the present time.
  • You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
  • You entered without inspection before June 15, 2012 or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012.
  • Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, and do not otherwise pose a threat.
  • You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained your certificate from high school , have obtained an honorably discharged  veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed forces of the United States.
  • You were present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS.

 

DACA Resources

Below are some helpful resources to help you understand more of the process and benefits of this program.

DACA Community Advisory Post Election – A pdf of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project recommendations following the recent Presidential election for community members who have applied for DACA or who are interested in applying.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)  A very good site with questions and answers for those that qualify for DACA.

Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – A pdf that visually demonstrates the process of Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

http://www.uscis.gov – The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website, run by the Department of Homeland Security. Here you can access all the required forms to apply for DACA, as well as a description, guidelines and eligibility criteria.

http://www.nwirp.org – In addition to a large amount of DREAMer resources, this website can also connect you with workshops, community presentations, and legal clinics specifically targeted towards those interested in learning more about DACA.

 

Funding to pay for DACA application:

  • DACA students who are also HB1079 may be eligible for funding through WASFA, Opportunity Grant, and other scholarships. Please see Scholarships for more information.
  • [skagit only] North Coast Credit Union- DACA loans are available in Skagit and Whatcom Counties to help students pay for their DACA application. The NCCU will give you a check for $465 made out to the “Department of Homeland Security.”
  • Loan conditions:
  •     Fill out DACA application and have it reviewed and signed off by a SIRC approved attorney or BIA rep
  •     Take 3 financial education tests online. www.balancetrack.org/partners/northcoastcu/bilingual.html
  •     Open NCCU account with $5
  •     Pay $465 loan off in 12 monthly payments of $40.67

 

Up to $250,000 in loan funds available for qualified DACA applicants. For more information: Skagit County 360-428-1779, Whatcom County 360-733-3982, and Toll Free-1-800-696-8830