December 9, 2020 Update - DACA Program Reinstated
On November 14, 2020 a federal court reinstated the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program and ordered DHS to reinstate the DACA policy that was in effect prior to September 2017. As of result of this ruling, USCIS is now accepting: first time requests, renewal requests, is accepting applications for advanced parole, and is extending one year grants to two year grants. Read more about the court's decision.
September 5, 2017 - Recission of DACA
On September 5, 2017, the Trump administration announced the rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The DACA program, established by executive order during the Obama administration, provided protection against deportation and authorization to work to young people who had been brought to the US without documentation.
Department of Homeland Security
Fact Sheet: Rescission of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Finding Resources at your Home Academic Institution
Many colleges and universities have issued statements to their communities regarding information, guidelines, and resources for those affected by or wanting additional information on the rescission of DACA and the next steps for students relying on this program. What follows is a list of the different types of campus offices that may be providing resources. This list (and the corresponding examples) is not exhaustive. It is instead meant to illustrate the types of resources that may be available on your campus. Please inquire with your college or university's administration officials for information specific to your institution.
Office of the Dean of Students
The Office of the Dean of Students is often the first place both undergraduate and graduate students are referred to for services. The Dean of Students office should be able to tell students, staff, and faculty what campus resources are available to meet needs. (Examples: University of Texas-Austin, Purdue University)
Other Student Offices
Visa and Immigration Services Office (Example: Stony Brook University)
Campus Diversity Office (Example: University of Iowa)
International Student Services Office (Example: Swarthmore College)
International Affairs Office (Example: Cornell University)
Undocumented Student Resources (Example: University of Maryland)
First Generation College and Low-Income Student Center (Example: Brown University)
Legal Assistance
The Immigration Advocates Network maintains a National Immigration Services Directory that lists low-cost or pro-bono legal assistance throughout the United States.
A number of law school clinics are offering assistance to DACA recipients. These include, but are not limited to:
UC Immigrant Legal Services Center at the UC Davis School of Law
DACA Renewal Clinic at Kansas University Law School
Migration and Human Rights Program at Cornell Law School
Immigration Law Clinic at the University of New Hampshire Law School
Immigration Clinic at the University of Texas School of Law
Immigrants’ Rights Clinic at Stanford Law School
Financial Assistance
Colleges and universities may also offer information on scholarships for DACA scholars or financial assistance for DACA renewal applications. Examples include: