On September 5, 2017, United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be rescinded. This page is dedicated to hosting relevant and helpful information and resources.
Quick Guide:
Your AB60 License is still valid (March 22, 2018)
USCIS is accepting DACA Renewals, Here's What You Should Know ((as of January 13, 2018, as information published by USCIS)
Attend a Free DACA Renewal Workshop
What to Prepare for a DACA Renewal Appointment
What to know about DACA and Employment (Created by Advancing Justice-ALC, United We Dream, and NILC)
Quick Guide to College Access for Undocumented Students in California (Created by Educators for Fair Consideration)
Beware of Fraud
Resources for Educators, Students and Social Workers
Partnering Collaboratives and Coalitions
- CCF Immigrant Integration Taskforce Referral List
- National AAPI DACA Taskforce
- UPLIFT
- Admin Relief Resource Center
- Ready California
- Los Angeles Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA)
AB 60 Know Your Rights
- AB 60 Know Your Rights
- Español (Spanish)
- 中文 (Chinese)
- 한국어 (Korean)
- Tagalog
- ไทย (Thai)
- Tiếng Việt (Vietnamese)
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is Now Accepting DACA Renewal Applications
If you have been issued a work permit under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, you may be eligible to file to renew. Book your free appointment to renew your work permit today! All immigration services are provided by authorized immigration attorneys, Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited representatives, and trained staff. Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles (Advancing Justice-LA) is a DOJ-recognized organization.
- Current employment authorization document (E.A.D.) card (also known as a work permit)
- Social Security Number
- Copy of previous DACA application
- (If applicable), list of addresses you have resided in since you filed your last renewal
- (If applicable), information and documentation of all incidents with law enforcement
- (If applicable), information and documentation of any updates you have with your removal proceedings
- (If applicable), information regarding any recent travel outside the United States through advance parole
- (2) 2”x2” passport style photos
- USCIS filing fee: personal check or money order for $495.00 made out to the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
- This case was brought forth by immigrant allies in California including the University of California.
- The court order was issued because Judge Alsup recognized that there was sufficient evidence that recipients of the DACA program will continue to be subject to severe irreparable harm without the court order.
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The order will impose that…
- Anyone who was protected under the DACA program before September 5, 2017 can apply for renewal.
- Applicants who wish to apply for DACA for the first time and those who wish to apply for advance parole may submit applications to USCIS
- This order will be in effect throughout the nation
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This is a temporary block on the rescindment of the DACA program.
- Congress and the President have stated that they will continue to support their standing to end DACA. DACA recipients are still subject to the same risks for deportation.
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United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has been ordered to:
- Administer a plan to receive DACA applications again;
- Record data regarding cases being processed during this time;
- Exercise fair discretion for all requests to renew DACA, requests for initial DACA, and requests to travel outside the United States on advance parole.
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On January 13, 2018, USCIS had complied with the federal court order and is now accepting DACA renewal applications until further notice.
- Individuals who were previously granted deferred action under the DACA program may request a renewal.
- USCIS is not accepting requests from individuals who have never before been granted deferred action under DACA
- USCIS will not accept or approve advance parole requests from DACA recipients
- If you previously received DACA and your DACA expired on or after September 5, 2016, you may still file your DACA request as a renewal request.
- If you previously received DACA and your DACA expired before September 5, 2016, or your DACA was previously terminated at any time, you cannot request DACA as a renewal, but may final a new initial DACA request in accordance with USCIS general DACA instructions.
- Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer a removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Further, having DACA does not confer legal status and may be terminated at any time with or without a Notice of Intent to Terminate (at the Department of Homeland Security’s Discretion)
- DACA requests will continue to be adjudicated under the guidelines set forth in the June 15, 2012 DACA memo.
Health Coverage Options in California for DACA Recipients
In California, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are exempt from the requirement to have health coverage. Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace established by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (aka “ACA” or “Obamacare”) does not allow DACA recipients to purchase health coverage from its health plans. However, DACA recipients can receive health insurance coverage through their employer, buy health insurance on the private health insurance marketplace or qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program that provides free or low cost medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources.
DACA recipients who meet the requirements for the Medi-Cal Program can apply for full scope Medi-Cal. For example, a person could be eligible for Medi-Cal if her/his annual income is at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), or $16,642 for one person. Full scope Medi-Cal covers 10 essential health benefits including primary care, preventive check-ups, hospitalization, emergency care, prescription medication, lab services, rehabilitative services, maternity and newborn care, behavioral health, and oral health care.
1. Does the recent decision by the current administration to end the DACA Program in six months change my Medi-Cal coverage if I currently have it?
No, nothing will change with regards to your Medi-Cal coverage, unless your eligibility changes in some other way (i.e. your income becomes too high making you ineligible).
2. What if I lose my DACA status while I am currently receiving care through Medi-Cal?
You will still be eligible for Medi-Cal even if you are no longer a DACA recipient and should continue to seek health care if you need any health care services. People who have applied for DACA can claim PRUCOL (Permanently Residing Under Color of Law) status, and this should not change when your DACA status ends.
3. Can I apply for Medi-Cal if I am a DACA recipient?
Yes, all DACA recipients can still apply for Medi-Cal. There are no deadlines or open enrollment periods to apply for Medi-Cal.
4. What are my options for health care after my DACA status expires?
a) You are still eligible for full scope Medi-Cal and should apply if you need health coverage. You will still need to meet Medi-Cal’s income guidelines (at or below 138% FPL). Anyone over 19 years old may also qualify for emergency or limited scope Medi-Cal which covers emergency care, pregnancy and postpartum care, breast and cervical cancer screenings, kidney dialysis and long term care services. If you know of other undocumented children and youth under 19 years old, they are also eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal regardless of their immigration status.
b) If you have been covered by your employer, you may lose your employee coverage if your employment is terminated. If this happens, you can continue your coverage through the COBRA program by paying the full premium yourself. You can also purchase health insurance on the private health insurance marketplace or qualify for Medi-Cal if you meet the income guidelines.
c) You can look for other sources of health care in your local area. There may be community health centers providing comprehensive primary health care to those who are uninsured and underinsured regardless of their ability to pay; some charge for services on a sliding scale. There are over 1,400 community health centers in the country. To find one near you visit: https://www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
d) Some California counties offer safety net health programs for low-income residents who do not qualify for Medi-Cal or cannot afford to buy health insurance, regardless of your immigration status. These programs are not health insurance but offer access to basic health care for county residents age 19 and older. Services can vary from county to county and some require minimum co-pays depending on your income. The following are some examples of county safety net programs:
- In Alameda County, the HealthPAC program provides primary care, preventive check-ups, urgent care, hospitalizations, outpatient surgery, radiology and lab services, prescription medicines, mental health services, rehabilitative services, non-emergency medical transportation, and some specialty care. Website: https://www.acgov.org/health/indigent/pac-all.htm
- In Fresno County, the Medically Indigent Services Program (MISP) provides short term assistance to pay from basic health care services. Covered services include primary care, hospitalizations, outpatient surgery, lab services, prescription medicines, home health care, rehabilitative services and some specialty care. Website: http://www.co.fresno.ca.us/DivisionPage.aspx?id=48797
- In Los Angeles County, My Health LA provides primary care, preventive check-ups, hospitalization, emergency care, lab services, prescription medicines, and substance use treatment at some community clinics and county hospitals. Website: http://dhs.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/dhs/coverageoptions/myhealthla
- In Sacramento County, the County Medically Indigent Services Program (CMISP) provides “medically necessary” primary care, preventive check-ups, prescription medicines, hospitalization, emergency care, some specialty care, and ancillary services. Website: http://www.dhhs.saccounty.net/PRI/Pages/CMISP/GI-CMISP.asp
- In San Francisco County, Healthy San Francisco offers primary care, preventive check-ups, prescription medicines, hospitalization, emergency transportation, substance use treatment, lab services, and family planning services. Website: http://healthysanfrancisco.org/
- In Ventura County, Health Care Program for the Uninsured in Ventura County provides access to primary care, urgent care and emergency room visits, lab services, prescription medicines, and mental health visits. Website: http://www.vchca.org/health-care-programs-for-the-uninsured-of-ventura-c...
5. Where can I get assistance to apply for Medi-Cal and other health programs or have any questions about obtaining health care services?
The Health Access Project at Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles can help you to apply for Medi-Cal or answer any questions or concerns about accessing health care now or after you lose your DACA status. Please contact us at health@advancingjustice-la.org or (213) 241-0262.
