City of Seattle offering $75,000 to help DACA recipients renew applications

At a time when the US Supreme Court could soon terminate the program, financial contributions from the City of Seattle and Facebook have resulted in a $75,000 scholarship fund for DACA applicants in Seattle.

There are currently over 7,300 DACA recipients in Seattle that will be able to use the scholarships to assist with their $495 application renewal fees.

Established by President Obama in 2012, DACA granted a form of temporary relief from deportation to undocumented youth who came to the US before the age of 16, who resided in the US since June 2007, and other requirements. The program provides eligibility for these same individuals to receive a permit to work legally.

“Too many of our immigrant neighbors have been living with uncertainty and fear. These workers, entrepreneurs, and innovators have devoted years of their lives to help strengthen both our great city and country. They’ve raised families, volunteered for their communities, and are part of the fabric of our city,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan in a news release.

“DACA ensures there’s a place in our city for these community members’ hard work, keeps families together, and makes our communities safer.”

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Scholarship funds will be available to individuals who have or previously had DACA status, have a completed DACA renewal application and reside in Seattle, work in Seattle, or go to school in Seattle.

Successful DACA scholarship grantees will receive a check made out to the Department of Homeland Security to submit with their DACA renewal application. All application processes will require the completion of an eligibility form and a 30-minute video or phone appointment with an El Centro de la Raza staff member.

Those seeking assistance with scholarship applications can do so at El Centro de la Raza, who will administer the DACA scholarship funds in a partnership with the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.