There is a fierce urgency as Donald Trump and Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III have announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and advocates continue to fight to bring a clean DREAM Act up for a vote in Congress. While new DACA applications are no longer being accepted, an important deadline for current DACA beneficiaries is approaching in just weeks. United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the nation:
If you already have DACA, your DACA and work permit will continue to be valid until its expiration date. If you have a DACA application (initial or renewal) that was accepted for processing by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through September 5, 2017, the agency will continue with the process of adjudicating your application. If you have a permit that will expire between now and March 5, 2018, you may apply for a two-year renewal of your DACA, but your request must be accepted by USCIS by October 5, 2017.
For DACA youth whose protections are expiring before March and are working, studying, and supporting families, coming up with a $495 renewal fee with practically no notice can feel next to impossible. To help immigrant youth struggling with this cost, UWD has established the DACA Renewal Fund to help the estimated 154,000 individuals who qualify for a renewal. For any allies asking what they can do for immigrant youth, this is an important and vital opportunity to help.
“Every dollar raised will go directly to renewal fees for eligible DACA recipients,” states United We Dream, with the organization already assisting 700 people. According to UWD leader Adrian Reyna, the group will soon announce which local groups will receive funds to assist immigrant youth in their communities.
Immigrant youth need our support now more than ever, not just when it comes to pushing for a vote for a clean DREAM Act, but making sure they have access to important DACA protections in the meantime so they can continue going to work, going to school, caring for their families, and living their lives in the only country they’ve ever known as home. Click here to make any donation you can to the DACA Renewal Fund.