ATTORNEY FOR DACA
Our DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) lawyers have extensive experience in representing cases of young immigrants with extraordinary stories of academic and professional development that positively influence those around them.
If a relative or friend has DACA and does not know about the renewal process, consult our lawyers to support them based on the most recent updates and with the empathy they deserve.
ABOUT DACA
In 2012, the American government announced DACA as a new program whose purpose was to help people residing in the United States without legal status, giving them the opportunity and authorization to work in the country, with protection against deportation to their countries of origin.
It was a program established by President Barack Obama through an executive order.
Since then, various myths and ideas far from reality have emerged due to ignorance of this program. Our mission is to help DACA beneficiaries to better understand their options, obtaining mental and emotional peace to continue studying and/or working in the United States, this being the country they know and recognize as their own.
DACA grants permission to work in the United States. Likewise, it provides deferred action, a concept that in simple words means that the government will choose not to deport a person who is in the United States without any official legal immigration status.
The discretionary nature of DACA indicates that immigration officials are not required to approve all DACA cases. Currently, this permit is granted for 2 years and can be renewed at the end of said period.
WHAT ARE THE ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY FOR DACA?
Important note: DACA initial applications are currently on hold.
Among the main requirements to qualify for the DACA permit, at least until September 2017, are:
- Be over 15 years of age
- Have arrived in the United States before the age of 16
- Be under 31 years of age (as of June 15, 2012)
- Not having legal immigration status (as of June 15, 2012)
- Be physically / reside in the United States at the time of submitting your application and since June 15, 2012
- Be an active student, have graduated or obtained a high school transcript, have obtained a GED certificate, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States.
- Not have been convicted of any felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more misdemeanors.
- Not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
HOW DO I SUBMIT MY DOCUMENTATION FOR DACA?
Having the advice and support of one of our DACA lawyers can make a difference. He will help you gather the necessary documentation.
The applicant will be asked to show that they meet all the requirements. Among the most common documents to submit are immunization records, school records, medical records, bills, bank statements, and proof of payment or receipts showing that the applicant has lived in the United States since June 2007, graduated from high school and that you entered the United States before your 16th birthday.
The estimated processing time for the application ranges from 6 to 12 months.
Your DACA attorney will provide you with the appropriate forms, accompanying the essential documents.
If the request is denied, it cannot be appealed. Therefore, it is important to submit the application correctly with the guidance and guidance of an expert DACA lawyer.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I DON’T QUALIFY FOR DACA?
Each case is different and it is worth exploring all action scenarios, however, there are certain situations that may prevent the applicant from being eligible for DACA, for example when the applicant:
- Used false documents to enter the United States
- Has sold or trafficked drugs.
- Helped another person enter the country illegally
- He has said that he is an American citizen
- You have been convicted of a felony or any violent crime, such as domestic violence, abuse, sexual exploitation, robbery, possession or illegal use of a firearm, drug distribution or trafficking, driving under the influence of alcohol, or in some misdemeanor cases
- Left the United States without permission on or after June 15, 2012
- You did not enter the United States before your 16th birthday
IMPORTANT DACA UPDATES
In January 2021, President Joe Biden directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to take action to preserve and strengthen the DACA program.
In practice, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is processing initial and renewal requests for DACA. Advance travel permits are also being processed. These permits are necessary for those protected by DACA to return to the United States if they travel abroad.
Contact a DACA attorney today to review your case, learn your story, and present action scenarios for positive DACA renewal.