Centro stands with DACA recipients

The rescission of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program has caused serious difficulty for our immigrant community.

We have received numerous calls from impacted individuals, community partners, media and others. The current mood in our community has shifted toward fear and uncertainty.

DACA was a program designed by executive order to give temporary protection from deportation to certain young undocumented people who came here as children and met other eligibility requirements. Research shows that DACA has empowered young people to study, graduate, obtain employment, buy houses and start businesses. Details are forthcoming on what this rescission means for those who currently have DACA or those with pending applications.

You can count on Centro de Información for immigration legal services. If you need assistance regarding DACA call Centro's immigration team at 847-695-9050.

We urge everyone to contact your U.S. legislators.

For DACA recipients:

• Employers cannot fire you before your DACA status expires;

• An employer cannot ask you about your DACA status;

• Your Social Security number is yours for life, regardless of your documentation status or the existence of the DACA program;

• Your work permit is still active until it expires;

• If you are outside the country on Advance Parole make sure to return right away.

New applicants: The administration stopped considering new applications for legal status on Sept. 5.

Renewals: DACA recipients with a permit set to expire before March 5, 2018, may apply for a two-year renewal, but must do so by Oct. 5.

Centro stands with DACA recipients and immigrants across Kane and northwest Cook counties. We continue to be a safe place and the source of reliable information and effective services.

Thank you for supporting our mission.

Jaime D. Garcia

Executive Director

Centro de Información

Elgin