Call Us For A Consultation At 214-216-6816

Free Personal Injury Consultations | Hablamos Español

Email
CALL

Solving Our Clients’ Problems For More Than 10 Years

  1. Home
    2.  » 
  2. Immigration
    3.  » Delayed Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

Advocating For The Rights Of Dreamers

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) allows people who came to the United States as children to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation. Like other United States immigration programs, DACA can be confusing, especially with renewal requirements and evolving legal challenges to the program.

The immigration attorneys at Kelso Law, PLLC, assist clients in applying for and renewing their DACA status. Going through the process alone comes with risks. You will have a higher chance of denial or delay, especially if you have a criminal record. Even a small mistake on your application can derail your plans for the future. Our lawyers will work with you to help streamline your immigration journey and file a successful DACA application or renewal.

Helping You Understand The DACA Program

The DACA program provides valuable protections against deportation to people who arrived in the United States as children. It also allows people to obtain a driver’s license, social security card and work permit. However, since the program’s enaction in 2012, the status has constantly changed. Due to federal court orders and ongoing litigation, it is expected to continue to change. Currently, USCIS is accepting renewal applications but is not accepting initial applications. For the most up-to-date information regarding the status of DACA, talk to one of our immigration attorneys.

The eligibility requirements for DACA are:

  • You must have come to the U.S. before turning 16
  • You lived in the U.S. for at least five years before June 15, 2012
  • You were in the United States and did not have any valid immigration status on June 15, 2012
  • Have no or minor criminal history
  • You met the education or military service requirements when you first applied

If you have been arrested or convicted of a crime, you need an immigration attorney before you apply for or renew your DACA status. Any contact with law enforcement can pose a problem with your DACA application. Certain crimes may prevent you from applying entirely. Our attorneys can help you successfully navigate this complicated process. We will work with you to find a solution that protects your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions About DACA

Since its inception, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has undergone various changes and legal battles, leading to questions about its current status and implications for applicants. Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about key aspects of the DACA program:

What is the current status of the DACA program?

DACA remains active, allowing eligible individuals who arrived in the United States as minors without documentation to receive protection from deportation and eligibility for work permits.

It is crucial to stay informed and updated on any changes or developments in DACA policy. This will empower you to navigate the program effectively, considering its history of legal challenges and administrative changes in recent years.

What is the DACA “final rule,” and does it apply to my application?

On Oct. 31, 2022, the Department of Homeland Security’s final rule was issued, ultimately preserving the DACA program through formal regulations rather than making it a mere policy memorandum. All current grants of DACA under the 2012 DACA memorandum remain valid, but the DACA Rule controls renewals.

How does DACA affect my immigration status?

DACA provides temporary relief from deportation and grants individuals with approved applications the ability to work legally in the United States. However, DACA does not provide a pathway to citizenship or lawful permanent residency (green card status).

It is essential to understand that DACA status is renewable every two years and does not confer permanent legal status or guarantee protection from deportation indefinitely.

Can I work in the U.S. if I have deferred status through DACA?

Those with deferred status through DACA are eligible to work in the United States. Upon approval of their DACA application, recipients receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), commonly known as a work permit, allowing them to seek employment legally.

However, you must maintain DACA eligibility and adhere to any employment restrictions outlined in the program guidelines.

Let’s Work Together To Secure Your Future In The United States

At Kelso Law, PLLC, our goal is to help you secure your future living and working in the United States. Although immigration policies are constantly changing, you can trust our attorneys to provide you with the latest guidance. To schedule a consultation at our Dallas law office, call us at 214-216-6816 or complete an online contact form to get in touch with us.

Hablamos español.