DACA Information in Riverside: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Guide
Understanding DACA renewals and protections for Dreamers in the Inland Empire
Quick Answer
Riverside and the Inland Empire are home to thousands of DACA recipients, including members of the Arab immigrant community. SoCal Immigration Services provides guidance on DACA renewals and helps Dreamers understand their options and protections under this important program.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Riverside and the Inland Empire are home to thousands of DACA recipients, including members of the Arab immigrant community. SoCal Immigration Services provides guidance on DACA renewals and helps Dreamers understand their options and protections under this important program.
What is DACA?
DACA provides:
• Deferred action (protection from deportation)
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to work legally
• Social Security Number
• Driver's license eligibility
• Protection typically granted for 2-year renewable periods
Current DACA Status (2025)
- •Current DACA recipients CAN renew their status
- •New (first-time) DACA applications are NOT being accepted
- •Renewals should be filed 120-150 days before expiration
- •Work authorization continues with valid EAD
- •Advance Parole (travel) is available in limited circumstances
- •Program status may change based on court decisions
DACA Eligibility Requirements
- •Were under age 31 as of June 15, 2012
- •Came to the U.S. before your 16th birthday
- •Have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- •Were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012
- •Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- •Are currently in school, have graduated, or obtained GED
- •Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors
- •Do not pose a threat to national security or public safety
DACA Renewal Process
- 1File Early
Submit renewal 120-150 days before your current DACA and EAD expire
- 2Complete Form I-821D
Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
- 3Complete Form I-765
Application for Employment Authorization
- 4Complete Form I-765WS
Worksheet to verify economic necessity for work authorization
- 5Pay Filing Fee
Current fee is $495 (check USCIS for updates)
- 6Submit Evidence
Passport photos, copies of previous EAD, and supporting documents
Required Documents for Renewal
- •Copy of your previous EAD (front and back)
- •Copy of your previous I-797 approval notice
- •Two passport-style photos
- •Copy of valid passport or national ID (if available)
- •Evidence of any address changes
- •Evidence of continuous residence since last renewal
- •Criminal history documentation (if applicable)
- •Filing fee or fee waiver request
Advance Parole for DACA Recipients
• Must demonstrate humanitarian, educational, or employment purpose
• Not guaranteed - USCIS has discretion to approve or deny
• Traveling without advance parole terminates DACA status
• Re-entry with advance parole may provide benefits for future immigration options
WARNING: Travel decisions have significant immigration consequences. Consult with our team before any international travel.
What DACA Does NOT Provide
- •Does not provide lawful immigration status
- •Does not provide a path to citizenship
- •Does not provide a path to green card (by itself)
- •Does not allow sponsoring family members
- •Can be terminated by future policy changes
- •Must be renewed every 2 years
- •Does not qualify for federal financial aid (in most cases)
Potential Paths Beyond DACA
- •Marriage to U.S. citizen (may require advance parole entry or waiver)
- •Employer-sponsored visa (H-1B, etc.)
- •Family-based petition if eligible family member can sponsor
- •U-visa for crime victims
- •T-visa for trafficking victims
- •VAWA for abuse victims
- •Future legislative changes (Dreamer legislation)
Avoiding DACA Scams
- •Only USCIS can grant DACA - not notarios or consultants
- •No one can guarantee DACA approval
- •Be wary of promises about 'new' DACA programs
- •Keep copies of all documents you submit
- •Use authorized representatives (attorneys or accredited representatives)
- •Report scams to FTC and local law enforcement
Special Considerations for Arab DACA Recipients
- •Privacy concerns and family confidentiality
- •Cultural stigma around immigration status
- •Complex family situations spanning multiple countries
- •Language barriers in accessing services
- •Coordination with home country document requirements
- •Religious and cultural needs during the process
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I still apply for DACA for the first time?
A: Currently, USCIS is not accepting new (first-time) DACA applications due to ongoing litigation. Only renewals are being processed. This could change based on court decisions.
Q:When should I renew my DACA?
A: File your renewal 120-150 days before your current DACA and EAD expire. Filing too early or too late can create problems.
Q:What happens if my DACA expires before renewal is approved?
A: If you filed on time, you may receive an automatic extension. However, gaps can affect work authorization. File early to avoid issues.
Q:Can I travel outside the U.S. with DACA?
A: Only with approved Advance Parole, and only for specific purposes. Traveling without it can terminate your DACA status and create re-entry bars.
Q:Will my DACA information be used for deportation?
A: USCIS has stated that DACA information generally won't be shared for immigration enforcement purposes, except in specific circumstances like criminal activity.
Q:Can I get a green card through DACA?
A: DACA itself does not provide a path to green card. However, some DACA recipients may qualify through marriage, employment, or other categories with proper legal guidance.
Q:What if I was arrested or have criminal history?
A: Criminal history can affect DACA eligibility. Consult with an immigration professional before filing to understand how your specific situation may be evaluated.
Q:Can my employer fire me because of DACA status?
A: With a valid EAD, you're authorized to work. Employers cannot discriminate based on national origin or immigration status once you're work-authorized.
Keep Your DACA Protection Active
Don't let your DACA status expire. Our Arabic-speaking team in Riverside helps Dreamers maintain their protection and explore future options.
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