Dear DREAMer,

I am writing you regarding President Trump’s announcement that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be terminated effective March 5, 2018.

I understand how unsettling this announcement must feel to our DACA recipients.  We, at the Logan Firm, want you to know that we are available to assist you throughout this time with any needs you may have.  Here are a few important things to understand based on the limited information that we have been provided.  I will write more as additional information is released.

First, if you currently hold DACA, your employment authorization and deferred action status are valid until the expiration date of your deferred action status.

Second, if your current deferred action status will be expiring before March 4, 2018, you may file a renewal application 150 days prior to the expiration date.  All renewal applications must be submitted on or before October 5, 2017.  No renewal applications will be accepted after October 5, 2017.

Third, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued a statement that the agency does not plan to begin targeting DACA recipients for deportation upon the termination of the program.  In other words, ICE’s statement is that once the program is terminated, ICE will not begin using the list of persons who held DACA status to initiate removal proceedings. It is important to understand that an arrest for a criminal activity such as a DUI will likely trigger the initiation of removal proceedings by ICE.

Finally, this announcement on DACA does not impact those who hold deferred action status through another program such as a pending U visa or an approved I-360 through the Violence Against Women Act.

As upsetting as this announcement is, we are hopeful that Congress will act to pass lasting legislation on an immigration reform that will protect our DREAMers in the long term and allow them to remain in the United States with lawful status.   If you would like to discuss your personal situation with your attorney, we are offering discounted consultations that may be conducted in person or over the phone.   Please contact us with any questions you may have.

In the meantime, stay strong and no matter what, don’t stop DREAMing!!!

Sincerely,

Sarah A. Logan, Esq.