Almost a week after a judge blocked the Trump Administration from ending Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services says it’s once again accepting renewal applications. On Saturday, the agency gave the greenlight to recipients whose DACA had expired on or after September 5, 2016 to renew the protection. Those whose DACA expired before September 5, 2016 can file a new request. (However, those who have never been received DACA benefits cannot apply.) With no clear indication that the administration will challenge the injunction, immigration activists and politicians are urging young undocumented immigrants to file their applications immediately. But with the $495 fee remaining burdensome for some – especially on a short notice – it may not be possible for all who want to apply.
That’s where Mission Asset Fund comes into play. The same day the news broke, Mission Asset Fund tweeted that it’s paying the full $495 for those who need it. (Learn more here.) Just over the weekend, the nonprofit organization granted 1,000 people with renewal grants, and it hopes to help more. Mission Asset Fund is now raising money to give 1,000 others the $495 they need to reapply. (Donate here.)
Since USCIS’ announcement, other immigrant rights groups sprung into action, offering legal assistance to those who intend to renew. Check out a few tweets below: