A new study from the Brookings Institution shows that only 1% of those applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) have been denied. However, that does not mean that nearly everyone who applied has been granted Deferred Action either. Out of 537,000 applications received so far, almost a quarter are still under review. About 75% were approved.
The delays in adjudication are discouraging young people from applying for DACA. When they see their friends who have applied wait five or six months without word on whether they have been approved, many young people begin to worry that their friends are going to be denied. This breaks down confidence in the program. This has contributed to the smaller than expected number of applications.
At CARECEN, we had two DACA cases that were filed before Christmas that were not approved until this summer. Neither case was a difficult one and it is unclear why it took United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) so long to issue the work permits. The delays were not an indication that the case was ever in jeopardy.
We have had one case denied so far. The denial was clearly in error and the case is being reconsidered by the USCIS.
Young people who are eligible for DACA should apply as soon as possible if they want to obtain permission to work. In most cases, they will receive a work permit in three to five months.
You can call CARECEN at (516) 489-8330 or Catholic charities at (631) 789-5210 for more information.
