LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) -For some DACA recipients across the Las Vegas Valley, recent discussions of mass deportation have stirred up fears about what could happen to the program in the future.
“What if one of the family members gets deported? Who’s going to take care of the kids, who’s going to take care of your pets, who’s going to take care of your home?” said Liz Hernandez, a DACA recipient who has lived in the United States for more than 30 years.
Hernandez explained her fears go far beyond her future.
“I think my biggest fear outside of just me is all the families who are going to be separated,” Hernandez said.
For recipients of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the news of another Donald Trump presidency has brought uncertainty about their future. The fear of losing their protection in this country isn’t a new feeling for them. Many can’t forget how they felt in 2020 when the Supreme Court blocked President Trump’s attempt to dismantle DACA.
“That’s not fair that we’re in that predicament again, but we’ve come out of it once, and I know that we will come out of it again,” said Ericka Marquez, an immigrant justice organizer for Make the Road Nevada.
As a DACA recipient, she knows the fear of the unknown all too well.
“I had to have that sit-down talk with my son and explain to him mommy is at risk, and he didn’t completely understand, but I know that deep down I still had to have that talk with him,” shared Marquez.
Immigration Attorney Peter Ashman says preparation is key to addressing this uncertainty. While no immediate changes to DACA have been made, Ashman advises recipients to take proactive steps, including filing for advanced parole.
“If you did not come in with documentation initially look into filing an advanced parole that would mean you would leave the United States physically go outside of the country and come back legally,” Ashman explained.
Ashman explained without requesting expedited processing, advanced parole applications are currently taking up to six months to be approved. Once they are approved, you can plan your travel within the time frame specified in your parole approval.
“Get advance parole. Try as quickly as you can to get advanced parole and file the advanced parole document because leaving and coming back in again allows you the right to adjust status here in the United States,” Ashman said. “That’s really, really big. That’s a streamlined way for you to get a green card.”
Make the Road Nevada is also encouraging recipients file a DACA renewal request in addition to filing for advanced parole.
To apply for advanced parole, file Form I-131 , application for Travel Document, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
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