Over 13,000 young immigrants in Ne- vada are protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals according to data from the Department of Homeland Security. Started in 2012 under the Obama Administration, DACA allows some individuals who were brought to the country illegally as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and to be eligible for a work permit and other benefits. As of 2017, approximately 800,000 individuals, often called Dreamers, were enrolled in DACA across the country.

The recent debates over the DACA program have left many confused about the status of the policy. On Sept. 5, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced an end to the program and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is no longer accepting initial requests for DACA or requests for advance parole. Current recipients whose benefits that expire between Sept. 5, 2017, and March 5, 2018, can still renew their DACA status to remain eligible. The renewal request must be filed no later than Oct. 5. According to Jon Sasser, a local attorney, an estimated 3,200 individuals in NV are eligible for renewal.

This is News You Can Use with a guide to submitting a DACA Renewal

.

WHAT DOES RENEWAL MEAN FOR ME?

without advance parole, that they continuously resided in the states and have not been convicted of a felony or three or more

misdemeanors.

WHAT FORMS DOINEEDTO

SUBMIT?

Childhood Arrivals,

Form I-765 the Application for

Authorization and Form I-765W Worksheet. Make sure to fill out the most recent version of each of these applications or yours will not be

accepted.

WHERE CAN I GET HELP?

DACA Renewals can be complicated, and filling out the application accurately is vital, or it will not be accepted. The community has many clinics and free assistance for Dreamers seeking

guidance with the renewal process. Northern Nevada Hopes, 580 W. 5th St. in Reno, is holding a free clinic on the 30th of September from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., there is no appointment needed. If you can’t attend this clinic there are a variety of other options including free appointments with PLAN by accredited representatives, to make an appointment call 775-800-1851. ACLU of Nevada will also be offering weeknight appointments for help with renewal, available by calling 775-786-1033.

WHAT TO BRING TO RENEWAL CLINICS:

If you attend renewal clinics in the community or meet with an immigra- tion attorney or Board of Immigration Appeals-accredited representative, be sure to bring all the required documents. Including your Work Authorization Card, driver’s license or ID, a copy of the last DACA Renewal Application you submit- ted, a money order or cashier’s check of $495, and certified court disposition of any arrest if applicable.USCIS’ current goal is to process DACA renewal requests within 120 days. For more information and to read FAQs visit the USCIS website.

If your DACA is accepted, you will retain both your period of deferred action and your employment authorization document (EAD) until they expire, unless terminated or revoked.  DACA benefits are generally valid for two years from the date of issuance, meaning Dreamers will keep their status until 2019.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO RENEW?

Current recipients of DACA whose permits expire between 9/5/17 – 3/5/18, and that met the initial 2012 DACA guidelines are eligible to request a renewal. There are additional guidelines stating that the applicant must not have departed the US on or after August 15th, 2012 without advance parole, that they continuously resided in the states and have not been convicted of a felony or three or more misdemeanors.

What forms do I need to submit?

There is a total of three forms you must submit for DACA Renewal. Form I-821D the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,

Form I-765 the Application for Employment Authorization and Form I-765W Worksheet. Make sure to fill out the most recent version of each of these applications or yours will not be accepted.

Where can I get help?

DACA Renewals can be complicated, and filling out the application accurately is vital, or it will not be accepted. The community has many clinics and free assistance for Dreamers seeking  guidance with the renewal process. Northern Nevada Hopes, 580 W. 5th St. in Reno, is holding a free clinic on the 30th of September from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., there is no appointment needed. If you can’t attend this clinic there are a variety of other options including free appointments with PLAN by accredited representatives, to make an appointment call 775-800-1851. ACLU of Nevada will also be offering weeknight appointments for help with renewal, available by calling 775-786-1033.

What to bring to renewal clinics:

If you attend renewal clinics in the community or meet with an immigration attorney or Board of Immigration Appeals-accredited representative, be sure to bring all the required documents. Including your Work Authorization Card, driver’s license or ID, a copy of the last DACA Renewal Application you submitted, a money order or cashier’s check of $495, and certified court disposition of any arrest if applicable.USCIS’ current goal is to process DACA renewal requests within 120 days. For more information and to read FAQs visit the USCIS website.

Emily Fisher can be reached at efisher@sagebrush.unr.edu and on Twitter @NevadaSagebrush.