USCIS publishes I-821D page in Spanish describing DACA application and renewal process
Key Takeaways
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) publishes a Spanish-language page for Form I-821D, the request for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
- I-821D is used to request deferred action — a temporary, discretionary protection from deportation — and is usually filed with application(s) for employment authorization.
- DACA does not create lawful immigration status, nor a path to permanent residence or citizenship; it can provide an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for eligible people.
- Applicants should follow the USCIS instructions, pay the required work-authorized fees (including biometrics), and monitor processing times on the USCIS website.
- It has been reported that the legal and policy landscape for DACA remains subject to court rulings and administrative changes; applicants should seek current legal advice.
What is I-821D and what does USCIS say?
USCIS’s Spanish-language I-821D page explains that Form I-821D is the form used to request “Consideración de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia” (DACA). Deferred action is a discretionary decision by immigration authorities to defer removal for a period of time; it is not the same as lawful permanent residence or a visa. USCIS also explains that people who receive DACA may apply for work authorization (an EAD — Employment Authorization Document) and must meet specific eligibility criteria listed on the page.
Who is eligible and how to apply
The page sets out the eligibility elements applicants must meet (age and arrival timelines, continuous residence, education or military service, criminal history bars, and other requirements). USCIS typically expects Form I-821D to be submitted with related forms for work authorization (Form I-765) and any required supporting documents and fees. The agency requires biometrics (fingerprints), and applicants should budget for the I-765 fee plus the biometrics fee as applicable; check USCIS for the current total fee and exact submission instructions.
Human impact and practical guidance
For people who came to the U.S. as children, DACA can mean legal work, a driver of daily stability, and protection from immediate removal — but it remains temporary and revocable. The USCIS page emphasizes following instructions carefully: incomplete or incorrectly filed packets can delay processing or cause denials. Processing times vary; USCIS posts current estimates online. Because DACA’s future has been affected by litigation and policy shifts, it has been reported that applicants and advisors should verify the most recent guidance and consider legal counsel before filing.
Source: Original Article