The DACA community (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is experiencing a major setback in renewing DACA (employment authorization) applications. USCIS appears to be processing renewals at a pace that is causing many permits to:

• Expire, which in turn means companies are terminating and or placing employees on unpaid leave causing high levels of financial strain and stress on DACA renewal recipients. 

DACA work permit renewals currently last two years. Once a permit expires, recipients are in immediate danger of losing their jobs and health insurance. DACA is not eligible for unemployment or Federal help of any kind!

We are seeking your assistance in requesting that USCIS please grant DACA the same 180 Day extension rights nearly all other work permit categories currently have.

 Link to USCIS Automatic Extension of EAD Categories for reference

DACA is category C33: 

'Current EAD eligibility categories for a 180-day automatic extension are A03, A05, A07, A08, A10, C08, C09, C10, C16, C20, C22, C24, C31, and A12 or C19.  The eligible categories are published on the USCIS Automatic EAD.'

Final note: DACA renewal recipients have been drained long enough. We are highly productive members of US society and to have to experience a renewal of not only our work employment, but our LIFE as whole every two years is a taxing and depressing situation.

If USCIS would consider a 180 day extension for renewal work authorizations that are pending expiration, we would be most grateful.

We understand Covid and USCIS understaffing has impacted the speed of which renewals are completed. Personally, this is my fifth renewal in the last 10 years. The cycle of anxiety, worry and stress is never ending for us. We ask for your thoughtful consideration and help in this matter.

Thank you,

A Dreamer on behalf of many Dreamers.