FRESNO, CA, September 12, 2017 — In response to the recent announcement regarding the rescinding of Former President Barrack Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, otherwise known as DACA, Centro La Familia Advocacy Services (CLFA) will hold a series of free DACA renewal workshops from September 18-22. DACA, which protects undocumented immigrants brought as children, will be phased out over the next 6 months, and no new applications will be accepted. However, only those beneficiaries whose permits expire on or prior to March 5th, 2018, may request a renewal before October 5th.
Margarita Rocha, Executive Director of CLFA, declared that by providing this service, CLFA wants to ensure that all DACA recipients who qualify for a renewal are able to apply, allowing for the protection to be extended for an additional 2-year period. Ms. Rocha also condemned the ending of the DACA program, stating “CLFA is deeply disappointed with the decision, as it will affect thousands of young, bright, productive members of our community and their families, as well as impacting the economy of our city.”
Bob Solis, Chair of the Board of Directors of CLFA, declared that serving those in need is part of the organization’s mission to help people in accessing life-sustaining resources. “With the removal of the DACA program, this population becomes vulnerable once again; and it is our goal to make sure that they are not at risk of being removed from the only country they know. These are young students, family members and professionals who contribute significantly to this community; and helping them is the right thing to do.”
CFLA staff and volunteers will assist with filling and revising DACA applications at no-cost from September 18-22, from 1pm-7pm at their offices, located at 302 Fresno Street, Suite 102, Fresno, CA. CLFA can also help those who don’t have the funds to cover the $495 USCIS filing fee. No appointment is necessary. Interested persons must bring a copy of their initial DACA application, their I-797 approval letter, social security card and EAD work permit. To ensure that the application is accepted before the deadline, packages must be mailed by October 3rd, 2017.
For more information please call 559-237-2961. Centro La Familia Advocacy Services is an Office of Legal Access Programs (formerly BIA) accredited, non-profit organization that has served Fresno for over 45 year