What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?

Federal immigration program that was created under the Obama Administration in 2012; DACA provides eligible undocumented immigrants with:

• Temporary protection from deportation
• Access to work authorization
• Permission to travel abroad

Current DACA Status

On September 13, 2023, a federal court issued a decision confirming an earlier decision to halt to the DACA program, but allowed DACA renewals to continue while the Biden administration appeals the ruling. That means:

1. USCIS is still not approving new DACA applications for those who’ve never had DACA or those whose DACA status has lapsed for more than one year.
2. Two-year DACA renewals are still available for those currently enrolled in DACA, and those who renew within one year of DACA expiration.
3. Travel abroad, called advance parole, is available for current DACA recipients traveling for humanitarian, educational and business reasons.

What Happens Now?

While the Biden administration prepares an appeal to the latest decision, holders are urged to continue to renew their DACA status timely and consult with a qualified immigration law provider to discuss other potential options to remain in the United States with lawful status.

If you need assistance applying for DACA or renewing your application, please contact CUNY Citizenship Now!
At 646-664-9400 or text 929-334-3784. You can also email your questions to:
citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu.

If you are connected to the CUNY community in any way, please identify yourself as a CUNY student, faculty or staff member.

What is Temporary Protected Status (TPS)?

Allows individuals from certain countries to remain in the United States if it is unsafe for them to return to their home country due to:

• Ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war)
• An environmental disaster (such as an earthquake or hurricane)
• Other extraordinary and temporary conditions

Under Valid Temporary Protected Status:

• Individuals are not able to be removed from the United States
• Can receive an employment authorization document
• May be permitted to travel domestically and internationally (based on case by case basis)

Who qualifies for TPS?

Immigrants from  Afghanistan, Burma, El Salvador , Haiti , Honduras , Nepal , Nicaragua , Somalia , Syria , Sudan , South Sudan , Ukraine, Yemen , Venezuela

If you need assistance applying for TPS, please contact CUNY Citizenship Now!
at 646-664-9400 or email us your questions at
citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu.

The Problem

Before December 2019, over 700,000 people older than 16 weren’t allowed to apply for their driver’s license due to their undocumented immigration status.

This caused many problems, as many immigrants were not able to carry proper identification or even register and insure their cars — both of which are state law.

Because they didn’t have proper ID, many immigrants were at risk during police interactions, feared detention and even possible deportation.

The Green Light Law Act — The Solution

Enacted in December 2019, the Green Light Law Act, also known as “The Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act”, allows all New Yorkers 16 years of age or older, including undocumented immigrants, to apply for a standard, non-commercial driver license or learner permit regardless of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.

Under this Act, DMV officials are not allowed to ask about one’s citizenship or legal status here in the United States. You also do not need a Social Security card to apply for a license or permit under this law.

However, you must sign an Affidavit (sworn statement) of never having been issued a Social Security Number when you apply for a standard driver license. Also, a standard driver’s license cannot be for federal purposes, like boarding an airplane, or to enter the United States.

If you need assistance applying for DACA, TPS or naturalization please contact CUNY Citizenship Now!
at 646-664-9400 or email us your questions at
citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu.

What is the REAL ID Act?

Starting on May 3, 2023, everyone residing in the United States will be required to show a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or ID card before boarding a commercial airline flight or entering a federal building or nuclear facility.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act established countrywide security standards for driver’s licenses and state identification cards. The law prohibits certain federal agencies from accepting licenses and ID cards that do not meet these minimum standards.

All states have now implemented the extra security measures required by the law when issuing driver’s licenses and ID cards. The card, itself, must be REAL ID compliant unless the resident is using an alternative acceptable document such as a passport or passport card, or state-issued Enhanced Driver’s License

How can I obtain a REAL ID ?

To obtain a REAL ID in all states, you must provide, at a minimum, documentation showing:

• Full Legal Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Two Proofs of Address of Principal Residence; and
• Lawful Immigration Status

New York offers three types of ID documents: 1) Standard licenses and IDs; 2) REAL IDs; and 3) Enhanced licenses and IDs. You must be a Lawful Permanent Resident or a U.S. Citizen to obtain a REAL ID, and only U.S. Citizens are eligible for Enhanced licenses and IDs. Only REAL IDs and Enhanced licenses/IDs issued by New York are approved for travel under the REAL ID law.

Standard licenses and IDs issued by New York will not be valid for travel once enforcement of the REAL ID law begins.

What if I can’t get a REAL ID?

If you are an undocumented immigrant, an immigration attorney or qualified immigration law provider can help you learn about steps you can take to obtain legal status before the REAL ID law goes into effect.

To check if you have a REAL ID compliant card or to see what the cards look like, the Department of Homeland Security has set up this FAQ website:

https://www.dhs.gov/real-id/real-id-faqs

Individual states may impose additional requirements, so check with your state’s driver’s licensing agency website, before visiting them in person, for additional guidance and assistance.

Until the Act goes into affect individuals can still board a commercial flight. If you want more information on what to keep in mind when traveling with your immigration status please review Immigrants Rising’s Guide for Undocumented Individuals Traveling in the U.S. and please contact CUNY Citizenship Now! for a lawyer consultation
at 646-664-9400 or email them your questions at
citizenshipnowinfo@cuny.edu.