Helping Young Undocumented Immigrants Defer Deportation
If you came to the U.S. as a child and are worried about being deported due to your undocumented immigration status, you might qualify for a program that allows you to stay in the country a little longer. More specifically, you might be eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program (DACA). Like immigration law in general, the DACA program isn’t widely understood, as there is often confusion about who qualifies and what its benefits are.
For this reason, you should talk to a qualified immigration attorney who can determine if you’re eligible for DACA and guide you through the application process. If you’re already a DACA recipient, a lawyer can help you send in your renewal request so you don’t have to worry about deportation for now. Call our law office today for quality immigration services from compassionate, skilled attorneys.
What Is the DACA Program?
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Program was established in 2012 as a way to help qualified young immigrants defer deportation for two years. The reasoning behind the program is that young people didn’t ask to be illegally brought to the U.S. and shouldn’t have to worry about being deported while going to school, planning for college, or considering joining the workforce. They should have a chance to finish their studies and make a plan for their future, whether that involves working on ways to eventually get a green card or leaving the country on their own.
It’s essential to know that your DACA status does not give you United States citizenship or permanent residency. It simply means you won’t be deported within the next two years, giving you a chance to seek work authorization so you can earn money while you determine where you’ll live in the future.
Experienced immigration attorneys will consider your circumstances to let you know if you’d benefit from this program or would be a better fit for other legal immigration options. Contact our law firm today to schedule a free initial consultation with a caring immigration attorney.
What Are the Benefits of DACA?
The main reason DACA recipients benefit from this program is the ability to defer deportation for two years. So, if you were brought to the U.S. as a child and still don’t have legal status in this country, you might be worried about the possibility of being deported. Applying for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program gives you a chance to avoid removal proceedings for the next two years.
Other benefits for DACA recipients include the ability to obtain work permits, a Social Security number, and a driver’s license, depending on the state. These elements allow those with DACA status to apply for credit cards and put their utility bills in their name, making it possible to build their credit while in the U.S.
If you’re interested in these benefits, you should talk to an experienced immigration attorney to find out how to initiate this immigration process. It’s important to keep in mind that DACA has certain limitations, as it does not give you permanent residency or a path to citizenship. It also does not give you the right to vote in federal elections or receive government benefits, such as food stamps or financial aid for college. Now that you know the advantages and limitations of this immigration status, contact our law office to learn how skilled immigration attorneys can help DACA applicants with initial and renewal applications.
Who Is Eligible for DACA?
If you’re hoping for a work permit and deferred action on removal proceedings, you need to find out if you qualify for DACA first. These are the requirements for this program:
- Your date of birth was on or after June 16, 1981
- You were brought to the U.S. before you turned 16
- You have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- You did not have lawful status in the U.S. as of June 15, 2012, and you still don’t on the date of your application
- You were physically in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 and still are on the date of your application
- You’re currently in school, graduated with a diploma or GED, or were honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard
- You’ve never been convicted of a felony or violent misdemeanor and not considered a threat to national security or public safety in any way
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for DACA. However, the DACA program is often called into question in court, as not everyone supports it or believes it’s in keeping with U.S. immigration law. For this reason, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has had to pause the program and stop processing applications numerous times based on court decisions. If you’re applying at such a time, USCIS might place your application on hold until it’s legally allowed to be processed. Experienced immigration lawyers stay updated on the latest news regarding this program, so it’s important to speak with one if you’re unsure on the status of DACA.
If you’re already a DACA recipient, you must renew your status every two years. You have a good chance of your DACA renewal application being approved if the following are true:
- You’ve lived in the U.S. continuously since qualifying for the program
- You have not left the U.S. since August 15, 2012 without getting advance parole first
- You’re not considered a threat to national security or public safety
Trusted immigration lawyers can help determine if you’re eligible for this program and guide you through immigration court proceedings if you are. Contact our legal team if you’re ready to begin your immigration case today.
How Can a Nationwide DACA Immigration Lawyer Help You?
Immigration laws are too complex to navigate without advice from skilled lawyers, so it’s recommended that you hire a legal professional to learn about the legal immigration programs that may be right for you. Whether you’re seeking citizenship, want to become a permanent resident, or just want an employment authorization document without fear of being deported, experienced immigration attorneys can help.
At The Chidolue Law Firm, we have years of experience guiding immigrants through the U.S. immigration court system so they can become permanent residents, naturalized citizens, or DACA recipients. In particular, we’ve assisted DACA applicants with determining eligibility and sending in legal forms so they could get work permits and deferred action on deportation orders. If you’re a first-time DACA applicant, our attorney will help you submit Form I-821D and Form I-765 along with supporting documents and fees. If you’re renewing your DACA status, we’ll help you submit these forms again at least 120 days before the expiration date of your status.
If you’re ready to find out if you’re eligible for DACA, a green card, citizenship, or other options for immigrants, it’s time to talk to skilled lawyers who can advise you based on their experience with immigration law. Call us at 407-995-6567 for legal advice and resources from compassionate attorneys today.
