
-
BlogOn August 24, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after soliciting feedback through a notice of proposed rulemaking in September 2021.DHS issues final rule on DACA
-
Blog
DHS issues final rule on DACA
On August 24, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after soliciting feedback through a notice of proposed rulemaking in September 2021. The rule will take effect on October 31, 2022. Until then, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue processing DACA renewal applications according to the terms of the 2012 DACA policy. However, a current injunction from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas continues to block USCIS from granting any new applications for DACA.
The DACA policy, enacted in 2012, protects certain eligible noncitizens who arrived in the United States as children, and allows them an opportunity to access a renewable, two-year work permit. This July, counties incorporated permanent language into the American County Platform to support “legislation that, without imposing costs on counties, would allow certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children and/or for humanitarian reasons to attain legal status if they pass background checks, demonstrate good moral character and meet education requirements.”
The final rule codifies provisions within DACA:
- Maintains the existing criteria for individuals eligible for the DACA program
- Retains the existing process for DACA requestors to seek work authorization
- Affirms the longstanding policy that DACA is not a form of lawful status but that DACA recipients, like other deferred action recipients, are considered “lawfully present” for certain purposes
While the final rule codifies a few provisions of the existing DACA policy, broader changes to the DACA program – such as expanding individuals who are eligible to become citizens – will require legislative action.
NACo will continue to monitor and keep members apprised of any updates with DACA.
On August 24, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after soliciting feedback through a notice of proposed rulemaking in September 2021.2022-09-08Blog2022-09-08
On August 24, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule to preserve and fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program after soliciting feedback through a notice of proposed rulemaking in September 2021. The rule will take effect on October 31, 2022. Until then, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will continue processing DACA renewal applications according to the terms of the 2012 DACA policy. However, a current injunction from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas continues to block USCIS from granting any new applications for DACA.
The DACA policy, enacted in 2012, protects certain eligible noncitizens who arrived in the United States as children, and allows them an opportunity to access a renewable, two-year work permit. This July, counties incorporated permanent language into the American County Platform to support “legislation that, without imposing costs on counties, would allow certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country as children and/or for humanitarian reasons to attain legal status if they pass background checks, demonstrate good moral character and meet education requirements.”
The final rule codifies provisions within DACA:
- Maintains the existing criteria for individuals eligible for the DACA program
- Retains the existing process for DACA requestors to seek work authorization
- Affirms the longstanding policy that DACA is not a form of lawful status but that DACA recipients, like other deferred action recipients, are considered “lawfully present” for certain purposes
While the final rule codifies a few provisions of the existing DACA policy, broader changes to the DACA program – such as expanding individuals who are eligible to become citizens – will require legislative action.
NACo will continue to monitor and keep members apprised of any updates with DACA.

-
Blog
Addressing social determinants of health with GIS technology
Discover the transformative power of GIS technology in addressing social determinants of health and building healthier communities. -
Blog
HHS proposes new rule to improve availability of kinship foster care homes
On February 14, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families (ACF) announced a new proposed regulation that would allow child welfare agencies to adopt less burdensome licensing standards for all relative and kinship foster family homes. -
Blog
Pandemic-era SNAP benefits expire
On March 1, the temporary boost to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits known as emergency allotments came to an end. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these increased monthly benefits were authorized in 2020 by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA, P.L. 116-127) and provided vulnerable households with additional grocery benefits to help mitigate the negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic. -
County News
Just a phone call away: County program matches seniors with new friends to deter isolation
Dutchess County, N.Y. is pairing volunteers with seniors to help build new friendships and connections via regular phone calls. -
County News
Peers recognize Rock County, Wis. opioid settlement plan
Hearing from the people most affected by substance use disorder helped Rock County, Wis. craft a plan for the funds it will receive from the national opioid settlements. -
Blog
HHS releases guidance on the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
On February 9, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released new guidance on the agency’s plan to end the federal COVID-19 Public Health Emergency declaration on May 11, 2023.
-
Webinar
County Strategies to Provide Supportive Housing for Familiar Faces
March 29, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmWhat does it take to house and support familiar faces?03292:00 pm<p> What does it take to house and support familiar faces?
-
Webinar
County Leaders Championing Justice Efforts in Local Communities
April 5, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pmCounties are directing resources to programs, practices and policies to reduce the overuse and misuse of the criminal legal system, improve public safety, better serve residents with behavioral health conditions and improve community stability and health.04052:00 pm<p>Counties are directing resources to programs, practices and policies to reduce the overuse and misuse of the criminal legal system, improve public safety, better serve residents with behavioral health conditions and improve communit
-
Basic page
Transforming County Human Services Network
Counties Matter in Human Services There are over 257,000 county human services employees across the country delivering vital services to our nation’s most vulnerable populations.pagepagepage<h3><strong>Counties Matter in Human Services</strong></h3>
-
Basic page
Human Services & Education Steering Committee
All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Policy Platform & Resolutions 2022-2023 2022 NACo Legislative Prioritiespagepagepage<p>All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary,
Contact
-
Legislative Associate(203) 402-9494
Related Posts
-
BlogAddressing social determinants of health with GIS technologyMar. 15, 2023
-
BlogHHS proposes new rule to improve availability of kinship foster care homesMar. 14, 2023
-
BlogPandemic-era SNAP benefits expireMar. 13, 2023
Related Resources
-
Reports & ToolkitsThe County Role In Long-Term CareFeb. 24, 2023
-
Reports & ToolkitsLegislative Toolkit for Counties: Priorities for Strengthening the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)Feb. 11, 2023
-
Policy BriefSupport the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)Feb. 1, 2023
Related Events
-
29Mar2023Webinar
County Strategies to Provide Supportive Housing for Familiar Faces
Mar. 29, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm -
5Apr2023Webinar
County Leaders Championing Justice Efforts in Local Communities
Apr. 5, 2023 , 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
More From
-
Legislative Analysis for Counties: The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023
This analysis includes funding highlights for key programs impacting counties.
Learn More