FALL RIVER — Catholic Social Services of the Fall River Diocese is reaching out to individuals who have or have had DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) in the light of a recent federal court order regarding the program.

On September 5, 2017, the Trump Administration announced that the DACA program was going to end. However, on January 13, 2018, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that due to a federal court order, “USCIS has resumed accepting requests to renew a grant of deferred action under DACA” until further notice.

Catholic Social Services immigration attorney Tim Paicopolos explained that there are three important points to know: persons who have ever had (or currently have) DACA are allowed to file requests for DACA; persons who had their DACA terminated will be able to file requests for DACA; and persons who never had DACA will not be able to request DACA.

Paicopolos said, “It is unclear how long this policy will continue – it could change at any time.”

Therefore he recommends that all individuals who have or have had DACA speak with an immigration attorney as soon as possible “to find out what their rights are regarding this change in policy.”

Catholic Social Services may be able to help with the application. The agency represents people on their DACA cases at no cost and has helped over 200 people with their applications. This service is only available to those who have had or currently have DACA.

Please contact Paicopolos at Catholic Social Services at 508-674-4681 as soon as possible. You are asked to leave a message if you cannot reach him at that time.

The January 13, 2018 USCIS announcement may be viewed here.

Diocese of Fall River
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