DACA
DACA UPDATE
On June 18th, by a 5-4 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration acted improperly when it attempted to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in September 2017. This ruling means that the more than 650,000 immigrants who have DACA will continue to be shielded from deportation and eligible to work for the foreseeable future.
ICIRR, its members and allies are committed to fight to protect those at risk of deportation, and to ensure protection for all. Below, please find information about what we know and what's next.
DACA and COVID-19
Unemployment insurance is a state-operated insurance program designed to partially replace lost wages when you are out of work. This is NOT a public benefit and does not count as one for public charge purposes. DACA recipients are eligible to file for benefits as long as they have a current authorization to work. They can enter the card information during the claim filing process online (www.IDES.Illinois.gov), once the claim is filed they are asked to submit copies of the I-766 ( work Authorization card) for further review. The individual needs to have proof of legal authorization to work during the base period that is used to establish the unemployment claim.
Learn how to file an Unemployment Insurance Claim HERE. If you have questions, please call (800) 244-5631.
Can I renew my DACA work permit even if I have more than six months before it expires?
Yes, you can renew DACA even if the expiration date is not close. You can have two DACA permits but the one with the most recent date will apply.
After your DACA expires: Impact on work, Social Security Numbers, and Illinois driver's licenses:
-
You have the right to work legally until your work permit’s expiration date.
-
You have no obligation to inform your employer that you benefit from DACA. Your employer does not have the right to ask you whether you are a DACA recipient or how you got your work permit.
-
Your employer does not have the right to fire you, put you on leave, or change your work status until after your work permit has expired. If your expiration date is nearing, your employer may ask you for an updated work permit but cannot take any action against you until after it is expired.
-
Your Social Security Number is valid for life, even after your work permit and DACA approval expires. You can and should continue to use the SSN you got under DACA as your SSN even after your work permit expires. You can use your SSN for taxes, education, banking, housing and other purposes.
-
In Illinois, immigrants can get regular driver’s licenses if they have can provide SSNs and are currently eligible for an SSN. So long as your work permit is valid, you will be eligible for an SSN and therefore eligible for a regular license. Under new Illinois laws that took effect in 2016 and 2017, anyone applying for an initial regular driver’s license now must provide proof of immigration status. Any such licenses will expire on the same date that the applicant’s status or work permit expires. In other words, if you have DACA and an SSN and you are applying for a license for the first time, you can get a regular license, but that license will expire on the same date as your work permit.
-
After your work permit ends, you can apply for a Temporary Visitor Driver’s License (TVDL), which will be valid for three years. TVDLs are visually distinct from regular licenses and are not valid for identification purposes. For more information on TVDLs, please visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s website, http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/TVDL/home.html.
Previous Updates
DACA Decision Community One Pager
Litigation on DACA: What We Know
Resources
-
Additional information on what you need to know now that DACA is ending is available in English and Spanish.
-
Please visit our Events page for a listing of upcoming DACA information sessions and workshops.
-
Please visit our Protection page for links to legal, mental health, and other community resources.
-
Our Family Support Hotline is available to provide information, referrals, and live responses to deportation-related crises, including consultations with mental health professionals: 855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (855) 435-7693.
Related Links
DACA Resources
Select a Topic
