As expert immigration attorneys in the United States, I can provide comprehensive legal services to immigrants seeking assistance with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA is a federal program that provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for eligible undocumented individuals who were brought to the U.S. as children. Here are some key highlights of the legal services I can provide:
- DACA Eligibility Assessment: We can evaluate an individual’s eligibility for DACA by thoroughly reviewing their immigration and personal history. This includes verifying that they meet the specific criteria, such as being under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, arriving in the U.S. before the age of 16, and continuously residing in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
- DACA Application Preparation: We can assist clients in preparing and submitting a complete DACA application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This includes gathering and organizing all the necessary documents, such as proof of identity, continuous residence, and education, and preparing a compelling personal statement that outlines the individual’s qualifications for DACA.
- DACA Renewals: DACA protection is not permanent and must be renewed every two years. We can help clients with the DACA renewal process, including reviewing their eligibility for renewal, preparing the required documents, and submitting the renewal application on time to maintain their protected status.
- Legal Representation: We can provide legal representation and advocacy for clients throughout the DACA process, including communicating with USCIS on their behalf, addressing any issues or challenges that may arise, and protecting their rights in case of any legal complications.
To be eligible for DACA, individuals must meet several requirements, including:
- Age: The individual must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
- Arrival to the U.S.: The individual must have arrived in the U.S. before the age of 16.
- Continuous Residence: The individual must have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present time, and must be physically present in the U.S. at the time of applying for DACA.
- Education or Military Service: The individual must be currently enrolled in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces.
- Lack of Felony Convictions: The individual must not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and must not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
- Discretionary Consideration: The individual must demonstrate that they warrant favorable exercise of prosecutorial discretion, meaning they deserve to be granted DACA as a form of relief.
