By Grace Rodriguez
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals renewal process can be challenging and expensive for DACA recipients but, it doesn’t have to be. There is an abundance of resources for DACA recipients in California.
The renewal process should happen a month before a work permit expires due to the amount of time it takes to gather the information and money required to renew. Printing out the renewal application can save time, money and help other resources better serve the process.
If any document is one month or less from expiration this means that the renewal process is urgent. Renewals should not be put off, no matter how lengthy the process may seem.
It is best to ask for the appropriate time needed to renew. If documents do expire, it can lead to getting fired or being placed on a temporary leave from work.
The renewal fee can be challenging and expensive. The process is much easier with help. Both your consulate and the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights Los Angeles are resources that can offer assistance with the $495 fee.
Due to limited resources, Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) only offers sponsorship to 40 people per week. This means asking for financial assistance from the consulate first is wise.
They will take income and student status into consideration status so ELAC students are more likely to receive full sponsorship.
Keep in mind that the consulate might be closing early due to COVID-19.
After printing out the application, find the folder that contains the entire initial process. This will help with filling out new forms. Notice the forms are almost identical.
Using the old application, most of the information will be easily transferred onto the new documents.
When filling out the application, leave blank boxes where information is unknown and feel confident with the process because the application must always be taken to a lawyer to help with any questions that may come up.
Free legal aid is one of the most important resources when it comes to renewing. One should not pay for someone else to fill out an application. The resources in this document all have legal aid and will look over a DACA application for free.
The following are documents that must be attached to the renewal application.
Documents to include are as follows: a copy of previous application, a copy of previous letter received with work permit, a copy of current work permit (front and back).
A copy of social security card (front and back), a copy of California Driver’s License/ID or, a copy of Consular ID Card or copy of passport, as well as any other supplemental information needed to update your case are also needed.
The final step to submitting renewals is to run the entire application by an immigration lawyer and to create a cover letter depicting every document included in the application (in list format). Include your name and USCIS# found on your WORK PERMIT as the letter header.
Make and keep a folder with a copy of every document. This will make your next renewal easier.
Enclose all documents in an envelope with the cover letter on top of the packet. Have the rest of the files follow the order of the cover letter. Do not forget the money order.
Do not attempt to pay with a credit or debit card as there is always the possibility for the payment not to process correctly or on time, resulting in a denial letter.
Mail out the packet. See USCIS website to confirm address and be sure to include your return address. Find the corresponding address at the following link: (https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/direct-filing-addresses-for-form-i-821d-consideration-of-deferred-action-for-childhood-arrivals)