**The following information is from the Immigrants Rising

On Friday, December 4, 2020, a New York judge ordered the federal government to restore the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to its original state.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

The decision restores the DACA program completely. Initial, renewal, and Advance Parole applications will be accepted by USCIS.

Current or Former DACA Recipients

  • Can continue to apply to renew their DACA
  • DACA protections and benefits will continue (ex. deportation protection and work permits)
  • Who were issued a 1-year work permit in the last year, will be automatically extended by USCIS to 2-years.

New DACA Applicants

Advance Parole

  • DACA recipients are able to apply for permission to travel outside of the United States for specific reasons. Advance Parole will only be granted for humanitarian, educational, and employment purposes. Below are examples of each purpose:
    • Humanitarian: travel to visit a sick relative, medical assistance, funeral services, other urgent family-related matters
    • Educational: study abroad programs through school or academic research
    • Work: conferences and trainings, meetings, overseas assignments, and meetings
  • IMPORTANT: Advance Parole application must be approved BEFORE traveling outside of the U.S. Being granted Advance Parole does not guarantee re-entry. It is important that you speak with an immigration attorney to understand your situation before traveling outside of the U.S.
  • Please also keep in mind that there are travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For frequently asked questions regarding these changes, click here.

Please reach out to a trusted legal service provider to learn how the changes to the DACA program may impact you. You can find a legal service provider at Immigrationlawhelp.org or ailalawyer.com.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

Get an immigration screening. 1 in 4 DACA recipients we’ve screened were eligible for a permanent immigration option. Use our Immigration Legal Intake Service to learn about your immigration options.

Take Action. DACA was never intended to be a long-term solution and the majority of undocumented people are not eligible for the protections and opportunities afforded by the DACA program. Reach out to your representatives in Congress to urge them to pass immigration reform that will enable undocumented youth and their families to thrive in the United States.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Family Action Plan In Case You Are Detained By Ice

– Adapted from materials from the Immigrant Defense Project and Make the Road NY

**The following information is from the Meyerlaw Office, PC

Versión en español

Although you may not be able to prevent yourself or your loved one from being arrested by ICE, these action steps will ensure that your attorney has the necessary information to defend you, and will also help inform your community about what ICE is doing – and how we can stop it!

Organize your important documents and keep them in a secure, safe place:

  • Personal Documents: copies of your passport, your birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce certificate, your children’s birth certificates, driver’s license, ITIN or social security cards, tax returns, and volunteer certificates or recognition. If you have a medical or mental health condition, also keep those documents available. You can also prepare a HIPAA Release, which will allow your relative access to your medical records. It is important that neither you nor your family members give ICE your passport.
  • Immigration documents: copies of both sides of your work permit or green card if you have one, your “A number” if you have one (an identification number that begins with “A” and that immigration gives you if you ever have a case), any documents that you may have from your past immigration case, and the name and contact information of any previous immigration attorney.
  • Criminal court documents: if you have ever been arrested, get a “certified disposition,” a “sentence order,” or a “Rule 11 Agreement,” from the court that had your case, and the name and contact information of your criminal attorney. Also, gather all documents that demonstrate proof of rehabilitation, such as completion of probation, rehabilitative classes, and/or community service.

Keep a list of important phone numbers:

  • Carry a small card in your wallet with a list of important phone numbers of family members and the contact information of someone who can be directly in touch with your future immigration lawyer.
  • If an immigration or criminal attorney has ever represented you, keep a list of their name(s) and contact information and place that list along with your other important documents.
  • If you have medical issues, keep a list of your doctor(s) name and contact information, and place that list along with your other important documents.

Plan for your family to be taken care of and to take care of you!

  • If you have children, decide who will take care of them in case something happens and make sure that person agrees. Make sure you have the person’s phone number on your “list of important numbers.”
  • When it comes to arranging for someone to have responsibility over your children, you have three options. The well-being and care of your children is important – think carefully before deciding on any of the options and consult an attorney when necessary. You can informally leave your children with someone you trust, make arrangements through a Power of Attorney temporary agreement to give a caretaker some power to make certain parental decisions on your behalf, or give legal custody or guardianship to your trusted relative or friend. Again, discuss options with an attorney before committing to any option.
  • Choose someone you trust to make decisions for you if you are detained. That person can sign a Power of Attorney agreement which will allow them to do things like get money from your bank account, access confidential documents, or pay important bills.

Stay connected to immigrant rights organizations and KNOW YOUR RIGHTS about what to do in case of any contact with law enforcement or ICE officers.

  • Do not lie to ICE but remember that you do have the right to stay silent!
  • Be sure to consult with a trusted immigration attorney or nonprofit organization to be screened for any possible immigration defense options in the case you are detained and placed into removal proceedings.