What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a U.S. immigration policy that provides a quasi-legal status and employment authorization to certain individuals unlawfully present in the United States after being brought to the country as children. Individuals may qualify for DACA if they:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; Came to the United States under the age of 16
- Have continuously resided in the United States from June 15, 2007, to the present
- Entered the United States without inspection before June 15, 2012, or had lawful immigration status expire as of June 15, 2012
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making the request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS
- Are currently enrolled in school, or have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, or been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or armed forces
- Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors, and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety
Individuals who meet these requirements are considered eligible for DACA. Applicants are eligible for an initial period of two years which may then be renewed in two-year increments. To qualify for renewal of DACA, individuals must:
- Not have departed the United States on or after August 15, 2012, without advance parole
- Have continuously resided in the United States since submitting most recent approved request for renewal of DACA up to the present time
- Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
What is next for DACA?
On December 4, 2020, a federal judge ordered DHS to restore DACA to its original state as implemented via President Obama’s Executive Order. Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements may submit an initial or renewal application for DACA. The Biden administration also instructed the Homeland Security Secretary to take action to protect and fortify the DACA program.
Presently, a DACA grant does not lead to lawful permanent resident status or a path to citizenship. DACA may also be rescinded, modified or withdrawn in the future. For these and other reasons, it is worthwhile to investigate whether you are eligible for immigration relief other than DACA.
Congress has introduced that US Citizenship Act of 2021. This act, if passed by Congress and signed into law by the president, would immediately allow DACA recipients to obtain permanent residency. Passage of the act maybe difficult as Congress remains very divided over immigration issues.
Can I get a Green Card on DACA?
A DACA beneficiary may qualify to receive their green card because U.S. immigration law provides five categories for non-citizens to acquire lawful permanent resident (LPR) status in the United States. They are: (1) family-sponsored immigrants; (2) employment-based immigrants; (3) diversity immigrants; (4) refugees; and (5) a select group of vulnerable immigrants including certain juveniles and crime victims that cooperate with law enforcement.
You will benefit from our more than fifty years of immigration law experience and the focused knowledge of our attorneys in immigration and nationality law.
We can effectively represent you in your quest to obtain a green card for yourself, an employee, or a family member. We evaluate your situation to determine the most viable method of obtaining permanent residency. We will help you complete and file the appropriate paperwork with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
We offer a free 10-minute phone consultation to provide you direction and answer quick questions. We recommend you make a full consultation to identify an action plan specific to your needs and answer all your questions.
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Our lawyers have successfully guided countless clients through the naturalization process. We have the experience and resources necessary to prepare all applicable paperwork, comply with filing requirements, ensure clients are prepared for tests in English and Civics as well as all other aspects of the legal process.
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