DAPA/DACA Programs and Preparation

In an attempt to create immigration relief, President Obama has announced the creation of the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) Program, which is similar to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. DAPA is meant for undocumented parents who have children as of November 20th 2014 that are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. Similar to the DACA program, individuals who are eligible may enjoy the benefits of obtaining a Social Security Card, Driver's License and a work permit for up to three years. It is important to note that both DAPA and DACA only provide temporary residence and is not indicated to be a path towards citizenship however; one is allowed to renew their DAPA status before the three years are up. At the moment applications for DAPA will not be available until late May of 2015.

Meanwhile, the DACA program is intended for individuals who arrived to the U.S. before the age of 16 and are under the age of 31 as of June 15th, 2012. In addition, individuals must have fulfilled additional requirements in order to be qualified. On November 20th 2014, President Obama had announced an expanded version of the DACA program, which had eliminated the requirement of an individual being under the age of 31 as of June 15th 2012 in order to include individuals who have been left out because of their age. At the moment, the revised portion of DACA has still not been put into effect and is awaiting approval. Eligible individuals are still able to apply for the current DACA program.

Although the DACA program only offers individuals temporary residence and benefits, individuals are given the opportunity to continue their education and so much more. Meanwhile, the DAPA program allows parents of U.S. citizens as well as DACA youth to reside in the country work and take care of their families.

For more information on how to apply for either program and how to prepare the proper documents and materials, the following attachments have been provided in English as well as in Spanish for your convenience.