DACA NEWS

On July 16, 2021, Judge Hanen issued a decision in Texas v. U.S., limiting the DACA program and declaring it unlawful.  While the Biden Administration has vowed to appeal, this disappointing decision again exposes the fragility of DACA and the incontrovertible need for a path to citizenship for American undocumented youth.  Rutgers supports all of its students and reminds those students affected by this decision that you belong here.   

Individuals who had their DACA status approved prior to July 16, 2021, even if now expired, will be permitted to continue participation in the program.  As of July 16, 2021, no first-time DACA request will be approved by USCIS until further notice.  

If you filed a first-time initial application that was not approved before July 16, 2021:

• USCIS will hold the application until further notice
• If you received a biometrics notice, you should attend unless you receive a cancellation notice  
• If you have received a Request for Additional Evidence, failure to reply within the designated timeframe may result in a denial of your application – consult with an attorney prior to responding
• Dreamers are not a priority for removal; ICE is currently required to follow the Enforcement and Removal Priorities Published on February 18, 2021
   

* If you planned to submit a first-time DACA application, USCIS can still accept this request, but you are encouraged to speak to an attorney prior to filing.

If you are a previously approved DACA recipient:

• USCIS will accept and adjudicate DACA renewals until a court orders otherwise
• File early!  Application processing times are delayed.  We recommend filing as close to 150 days prior to expiration as possible
• Judge Hanen’s decision does not impact Advance Parole; According to USCIS’ statement dated July 19, 2021, USCIS will continue to process and grant advance parole to current DACA recipients

Rutgers is here to support you!  

All Rutgers students with immigration or DACA-specific legal questions should contact RICAP Immigrant Rights Attorney, Jason Hernandez, at RICAP-Info@law.rutgers.edu or 856-225-2302. 

• All consultations are confidential and at no cost to the student.  
• Students seeking financial support for the USCIS filing fee should reach out to RICAP for assistance locating emergency funds.

Student with non-legal questions or concerns are encouraged to reach out to one of our many resource available on each campus.

Camden Students seeking information should refer to our Undocumented Student Resources Webpage.  If you are not sure where to start, please reach out to Associate Dean, Elizabeth Atkins at atkins1@camden.rutgers.edu for assistance.  

New Brunswick Students can find Information and Support for Undocumented Students on the Dean of Students website. Students seeking guidance can reach out to the Dean of Student Office at deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu.

Newark Students should reach out to one of our many RUN Student Support Services.  Students with questions should contact the Office of Undocumented Student Services at: undocu.services@newark.rutgers.edu.

Important Updates

• UPDATED: RICAP Advisory on DACA Renewals (June 19, 2020)
• UPDATED: RICAP Advisory on DACA Renewals (October 1, 2019)
• Rutgers University-Newark calls to renew DACA
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• National Immigration Law Center
   

Contact

If you're seeking an appointment or have a general question, please reach out to us:
Email: RICAP-Info@law.rutgers.edu 
Phone: (856) 225-2302
Fax: (856) 225-6666

For updates and announcements, find us on Instagram at @RU_RICAP.

Rutgers Law School offers additional information and legal assistance for immigrants including information about Knowing Your Rights, what to do if ICE comes to your home, and Power of Attorney documents for parents. Additional legal assistance information can be found here.