On September 5, 2017, the Trump Administration announced it will phase-out the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The Department of Homeland Security has published a memorandum and FAQ outlining the agency’s timeline for the phase-out over the next six months. Five key takeaways include:

• After September 5, 2017, initial requests for DACA are no longer being accepted.
• Persons who have initial DACA requests or DACA renewals filed as of September 5, 2017 will continue to have their DACA applications processed normally.
• Persons whose DACA will expire between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018 can file to renew their DACA, but the renewal application must be received by October 5, 2017.
• USCIS will administratively close all pending advance parole applications for DACA holders. The agency will no longer accept requests for advance parole from DACA holders. Previously issued advance parole documents will generally remain valid; however, advance parole does not guarantee reentry into the United States.
• The Trump Administration has implemented the phase-out over six-months to allow Congress time to implement a legislative solution.

With nearly 800,000 DACA recipients and the uncertainty surrounding the future of these benefits, many companies and individuals may be affected by the DACA phase-out. To determine how these changes will affect your business or personal situation, please contact Harry Gee & Associates for more information.