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Today, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released resources to help applicants understand the process for requesting Expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The USCIS website now contains a list of frequently asked questions to address who is eligible and how the process works as well as instructions for how to fill out the form to apply. USCIS will begin accepting applications for Expanded DACA on February 18. The agency is currently accepting applications of individuals who meet the original DACA requirements as well as individuals requesting renewal.

President Obama announced an expansion of DACA in November as part of his executive actions on immigration. The administration modified the DACA program by eliminating the age ceiling and making immigrants who began residing in the U.S. before January 1, 2010 eligible. Previously, applicants needed to be under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, and to have resided here continuously since June 15, 2007. Additionally, the deferred action will last for three years instead of two.

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