Get the Latest DACA Updates

DACA is currently unavailable for first-time applicants.
If you currently have DACA, your DACA status remains valid.

The information on this page does not, and is not intended to, constitute as legal advice. Instead, all content below is provided for general informational purposes only.

 

Current Status of DACA

  • If you currently have DACA, you are still protected and will be able to continue renewing for now.
  • If you are eligible for DACA but have never applied, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can still accept your application but will NOT process it.
  • If you are eligible and have applied, DHS will still NOT process your application.
  • Advance Parole remains open to DACA recipients.

On October 5, 2022, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. They also declared that the DACA program continues to be partially ended and sent the case back to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas to then decide the legality of the Biden administration's new rule released in August 2022. This new rule, which takes effect on October 31, 2022, largely maintains the DACA program created by the Obama-era memo of 2012 for DACA recipients.

Back in July 2021, Judge Andrew Hanen of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled that President Barack Obama exceeded his authority when he created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program by executive action in 2012. In the Texas v. U.S. case, he essentially ruled that the DACA program is unlawful, but put part of that decision is on hold, which means that current DACA recipients are able to keep their work permits and can continue to renew them. Individuals seeking to renew their DACA status should continue to follow the same renewal application procedures, including biometrics appointments.

Currently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is not permitted to approve any new DACA applications for anyone applying for the first time. If you have submitted an initial DACA application or wish to submit an initial DACA application, DHS will accept your application, but will not be able to approve your application.

Many advocates recommend that DACA holders renew if you are eligible. Advocates are also calling on Congress to pass a permanent solution for all undocumented youth across the United States, including those who participate in the DACA program.

Updates on DACA are likely to continue changing. Please stay informed on the latest DACA information.

The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) has more information on DACA Renewal Clinics here.

If you would like to talk with a legal service provider about potential other options to adjust your status, a number of community-based organizations (listed below) are offering free assistance to applicants.

 

Free Legal Clinics and Consultations

The organizations below are offering free legal help to qualified DACA recipients and undocumented immigrants, including consultations, screenings, and other legal assistance.

 

Financial Assistance for DACA Renewals

If you need financial assistance to pay for the cost of renewing your DACA application, the below organizations may be able to help:

  • In-State Tuition and Financial Aid: Washington State offers in-state tuition and some form of state financial aid to undocumented students. Learn more here.
  • Express Credit Union offers a DACA Loan for DACA recipients who need help affording the renewal fee.
  • The Mexican Consulate in Seattle is offering financial assistance to DACA recipients of Mexican origin. Learn more from Consulado de México en Seattle or the closest Mexican consulate near you, as you may be able to receive assistance.
  • Seattle Credit Union offers a DACA Loan for DACA recipients who need help affording the renewal fee.
  • The University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity has compiled this list of financial assistance opportunities for immigrants who may not be able to afford the cost of renewing their DACA status.

 

Mental Health Resources for DACA Recipients

 

About DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was established by President Obama in 2012. It granted a form of temporary relief from deportation known as "deferred action" to undocumented youth who came to the U.S. before the age of 16, who resided in the U.S. since June 2007, and who met other requirements. DACA also provides eligibility for these same individuals to receive a work permit. DACA status is renewable every two years.

More than 800,000 undocumented youth nationwide received this temporary relief. In Washington, approximately 18,000 undocumented youth are DACA recipients, and we estimate about one-third to half of them live in Seattle-King County.

The City of Seattle is a proud municipal supporter of the #HomeIsHere campaign.

A DACA-recipient wearing a graduation cap outside at a protest holding a sign that reads: "My Dreams can't wait!" To the right of her is a yellow splotch with the words: "HOME IS HERE, Protect DACA."

 

Cities for DACA Campaign

A yellow and purple graphic with th text: "CITIES for DACA" and "#DACADOES", showing pictures of immigrants in various poses of strength and defiance.The Cities for DACA Campaign makes clear that DACA recipients strengthen the social and institutional fabric of our cities by highlighting recipients’ stories and the positive contributions they make to communities across the country, as well as the negative consequences that ending DACA would have nationwide. The campaign also seeks to ensure that DACA recipients and impacted communities have accurate information about the program, and know how to access local and national resources and services.

Learn more about how municipalities across the U.S. are #CITIESFORDACA.

Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

Hamdi Mohamed, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 1616, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 94573, Seattle, WA, 98124
Phone: (206) 727-8515
oira@seattle.gov

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The mission of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs is to improve the lives of Seattle’s immigrant and refugee communities by engaging them in decisions about the City of Seattle’s future and improving the City’s programs and services to meet the needs of all constituents.