Trump Kills DACA: 8 Things You Need To Know & Action Steps You Can Take

DACA what you need to know

On September 05, 2017, President Trump announced that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be ending. This brazen and uneducated decision impacts almost 800,000 young people who entered the U.S. before the age of 16 who had temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. Aside from the stresses of being undocumented in the first place, many in this group have already lived with the racism, fear and anxiety throughout the Trump campaign. “They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists,” Trump said of Mexican immigrants, which form nearly of all DACA recipients. Enough is enough! Now is not the time for pity. Now is the time to arm yourself with the facts and take action. With the help of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and immigration attorney Maria Gloria Najera, MBG has compiled a list of 8 things you need to know and action steps you can take: 

trump daca what you need to know

1. If You Do Not Have DACA Or A DACA Application Pending

You cannot apply. The program has been terminated and new applications are no longer being accepted by USCIS. 

2. If You Have DACA That Expires On Or Before March 05, 2018

If you have DACA and a work permit that expires on or before March 05, 2018, you can apply for a 2-year renewal, but your application must be received on or before October 05, 2017. 

3. If You Have DACA That Expires After March 05, 2018

If your DACA and work permit expires after March 05, 2018, you are not eligible for an extension and your DACA, work authorization, and protection from deportation will expire on the date shown on your DACA approval notice and work permit. 

4. If You Have a DACA Application Pending

If you have a DACA application that was received at USCIS on or before September 05, 2017, your application will continue to be processed. 

5. Your DACA Can Be Terminated At Any Time

Even with valid DACA and a valid work permit, the government can terminate your DACA and work permit at any time if it believes you are no longer eligible or for any other reason. 

6. Talk To A Lawyer

Talk to an immigration lawyer as soon as possible. If you don't have an immigration lawyer, find one at www.ailalawyer.org. You may be eligible for another for another type of status. Members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) report that up to 30% of people screened for DACA were eligible for something better and more permanent. Before making any decisions which could impact your future status, speak to a lawyer

7. Do Not Talk To A Notario

Notarios are NOT lawyers and are not trained to fully understand the complex U.S. immigration system. Some notarios will take your money and give you bad advice. Protect yourself and your family by trusting a qualified immigration lawyer with your legal decisions. Educate yourself about notario fraud by clicking here and share this information with those who are the most vulnerable. 

8. Don't Give Up

Congress can still pass a bill to offer a permanent way for those with DACA to stay in the United States. Tell Congress to stand up for Dreamers! You can help by picking up the phone and calling your representatives

Other ways you can help:

  • Share the information above with friends, family and anyone who is affected by the decision to end DACA. Post on social media and spread the facts. Knowledge is power.

  • Donate to the National Immigration Law Center. They work on behalf of undocumented immigrants who can't afford to pay for their legal representation.

  • Donate to Immigrant Defense Fund. They offer a spectrum of services to immigrants who need help, primarily in the courtroom.

  • If you speak a second language, especially Spanish, donate your time to National Immigration Justice Center, and work as an interpreter. Let's be honest, having a good interpreter can make or break a case and the law isn't always easy to understand, even for fluent English speakers.

Do you know of other ways to help? Is there additional information you'd like us to share with our readers? Comment below or send us an e-mail at: Info@ModernBrownGirl.com - we will make sure all beneficial information gets shared.

If you are in the Chicago-land area and are in need of an immigration attorney, you can contact Maria Gloria Najera, who is licensed in Texas & Illinois, at: mgnajera@najeralaw.com or 630-408-5158 & mention MBG.