DACA Recipient Faces Job Loss Due to Permit Delay and Starts Selling Burritos in North Hollywood
Delayed DACA Renewals Leave Recipients in Financial Peril
LOS ANGELES – A delay in his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) work permit renewal forced Cesar, a DACA recipient, to transition from a stable job in human resources to selling burritos in North Hollywood. This shift illustrates the increasing challenges faced by DACA recipients amid ongoing processing delays.
Cesar’s journey began after he lost his job when his work permit renewal was not approved in time, despite applying four months prior. Under federal law, his employer had no choice but to terminate his position due to the lapse in authorization. “My thought process was, what am I going to do for money? We have a mortgage to pay,” he explained, highlighting the financial strain of job loss. His sister, also a DACA recipient, faced a similar fate, losing her legal role at a law firm.
Immigration attorney Jose Osorio notes that cases like Cesar’s are becoming increasingly common. “Some delays are taking about a year,” he stated, emphasizing that what was once a straightforward renewal process has morphed into an unpredictable ordeal. He also pointed out that processing times have slowed while renewal fees have increased, placing additional burdens on applicants.
As of late April, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services reported that most DACA renewals took about 122 days, with some applicants now waiting six months or more. California holds the largest number of active DACA recipients in the nation, totaling over 141,000.
In response to his unexpected circumstances, Cesar has embraced a new venture, selling burritos while drawing support from his community. “I barely sleep now,” he said, detailing his daily routine of sourcing ingredients and preparing meals. His story resonated with many, prompting customers to visit his stand in solidarity. “I just heard his story, and I feel there’s a lot of people out here with similar stories,” remarked customer Danny Espinal.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has acknowledged that thorough screenings under previous administration policies have contributed to prolonged processing times. Officials advise DACA recipients to submit their renewal applications at least one year in advance to minimize the risk of losing work authorization. However, even early submissions can no longer guarantee prompt approval.
Cesar remains hopeful despite the overwhelming challenges. He encourages others in similar situations to remain resilient. “Don’t give up,” he urged. “Even though your back’s against the wall … don’t give up. Try something new.”
