DACA Updates: Unlocking Opportunities with Advance Parole and Health Insurance

What is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a policy introduced in 2012 by the Obama administration. It provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to certain immigrants—eligible young immigrants who came to the United States as children, often referred to as Dreamers. 

Although DACA does not provide permanent lawful status, it allows recipients to contribute to society, pursue their education, and build lives in the US without the constant fear of family separation. Since it is a temporary status and does not lead to permanent status, such as a green card or citizenship, it must be renewed every two years. 

To qualify for DACA, applicants must meet specific criteria, including arriving in the U.S. before their 16th birthday, living continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, and meeting educational or military service requirements. However, as of now, no new DACA applications are being processed; only renewal applications are being considered.

DACA Thoughts: Advance Parole and Its Impact

Advance Parole is a travel document that allows recipients to travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. legally. Under the Trump administration, DACA was severely restricted while the administration tried to destroy it, including the stoppage of any DACA-related Advance Parole However, Advance Parole for DACA recipients was reinstated under the Biden administration, making international travel a possibility again.

This policy change has reintroduced opportunities for DACA recipients to travel for educational, employment, or humanitarian purposes. Not only does Advance Parole allow international travel, but it also creates a lawful entry to the United States. For DACA recipients who are married to U.S. citizens or who have no unlawful presence, this new entry can be the key to getting a green card in the United States.  

If you have DACA and think that Advance Parole may be an option for you, it’s essential to consult with an immigration attorney before applying for Advance Parole to understand the potential benefits and risks associated with traveling abroad. Even if you’re not married to a U.S. citizen, we believe that having a lawful entry to the United States through Advance Parole can only help in any future immigration filing. Since we don’t know what the outcome of the election this fall will be, we highly recommend filing an Advance Parole application soon.

New Health Care Access for DACA Recipients

Recently, President Biden also announced the expansion of affordable, quality healthcare coverage for DACA recipients. With this ruling, people with DACA  are now eligible to enroll in Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, commonly known as ObamaCare. Previously, DACA recipients were excluded from ACA coverage, leaving many without access to affordable health insurance.

This new policy will allow DACA recipients to apply for coverage through HealthCare.gov and state-based marketplaces starting in November 2024. They may even qualify for financial assistance to help purchase quality health insurance. This change is expected to help over 100,000 DACA recipients gain access to necessary healthcare services, providing them with greater peace of mind and security.

Conclusion

The recent updates to DACA policies have brought new opportunities and benefits for this population. The reinstatement of Advance Parole and the extension of ACA coverage are significant steps forward in supporting the well-being and stability of DACA recipients, especially long term. At Hope Immigration, we remain committed to providing the latest information and support to our clients. If you have questions about DACA or Advance Parole, please contact our office!