Support for Dreamers

Need help with your DACA renewal application? Want to speak to a lawyer about whether you qualify for a more permanent immigration status? Free services are available throughout New York City, New York State and around the country.

DACA is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States before age 16. With DACA, a qualified undocumented immigrant can work here with limited protection from deportation. If you have DACA and your employment authorization card will expire March 5 or sooner, you can get a two-year extension. You must apply by Oct. 5.

Although the Department of Homeland Security is considering extending the deadline, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible. If you have DACA, but you don’t qualify to apply for an extension, your DACA is good until your card expires.

In New York City, you can get help from CUNY Citizenship Now! (the project I direct), by calling (646) 664-9400. For help from the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Affairs, call 311 and say, “ActionNYC.” For a list of service events throughout New York State, including New York City, visit the website of the New York Immigration Coalition, http://www.thenyic.org/DACA or call the New York State Office of New Americans hotline, (800) 566-7636.

For help outside New York State, try the legal directory of the Immigration Advocates Network at http://bit.ly/2fYRIZI.

The fee for DACA renewal is $495. Millions have been contributed to help those who cannot afford the filing fee. To find help