DACA
WHAT BENEFITS CAN YOU RECEIVE THROUGH DACA?
Deferred Action, commonly known as DACA, offers valuable benefits to eligible individuals. It provides protection from deportation and the opportunity to obtain a work permit, also known as an Employment Authorization Card. With a work permit, you can apply for a social security number, which may facilitate the process of obtaining a driver's license. It's important to note that DACA is a temporary relief that lasts for two years, but you have the option to apply for renewal or extension. To learn more about the benefits of DACA, consult with an immigration attorney who can provide personalized guidance.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS
To determine eligibility for the DACA program, it is crucial to meet specific criteria. These requirements can be explained by an attorney:
- You arrived in the United States before turning sixteen.
- You have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least five years before June 15, 2012, the date when the DACA program was announced.
- You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, the day the DACA memorandum was issued.
- You are currently attending school, have graduated from high school, possess a GED certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States.
- You have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, or multiple misdemeanor offenses, and you do not pose a threat to national security or public safety. Additionally, you should be under thirty years old.
When applying for DACA, you may need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity
- Documentation confirming your arrival in the U.S. before your 16th birthday
- Evidence of your immigration status
- Proof of your presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and continuous residence since June 15, 2007
- Documentation demonstrating high school graduation, GED attainment, current enrollment in school, or honorable discharge from the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States (if applicable)
- Evidence of not posing a threat to national security or public safety
It is important to understand that DACA does not lead to a green card or guarantee citizenship. This program also does not provide authorization for international travel. However, if you obtain DACA status, you may become eligible to apply for a Travel Document, which, if approved, allows international travel.
DACA RENEWAL PROCESS
If you are already a recipient of DACA, it's essential to be aware of the renewal process. The earliest grants of DACA began expiring in September 2014. USCIS has established a renewal process to enable eligible individuals to request extensions of their deferred action status without losing work authorization or falling out of status.
To initiate the DACA renewal process, you should submit your request approximately 120 days (4 months) before your current period of relief expires. Your Employment Authorization Card and period of deferred action will have the same expiration date, which is printed on the front of the card. When renewing, you may need to provide updated documents related to deportation proceedings or pending criminal cases that have not been previously submitted to USCIS.
CONSULT AN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY
If you have questions about your eligibility for Deferred Action or would like guidance on how to benefit from DACA, we encourage you to contact our firm. Our experienced DACA attorneys are available for consultation and can provide the assistance you need. Don't risk navigating the application process alone when you can have a skilled attorney by your side. Reach out to us today to discuss your options.
Goldstein Immigration Lawyers is a trusted immigration law firm with offices in Los Angeles and Boston. Our experienced Los Angeles DACA lawyers and Boston DACA lawyers specialize in assisting individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) cases. Whether you are seeking assistance with DACA applications, or renewals, or understanding the eligibility requirements, our knowledgeable attorneys can provide personalized guidance.