DACA

With over 28 years of experience in immigration law, our team at Vernon & Associates P.C. has successfully assisted hundreds of individuals who entered the United States as children in securing their status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

WHY HIRE VERNON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. FOR HELP WITH DACA?

Our compassionate and knowledgeable immigration team has helped thousands of individuals secure United States immigration benefits. If you are eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, our experienced immigration lawyers at Vernon & Associates can assist you in applying, so you can remain in the country for a renewable two-year period. During this time, you can live and work without the threat of deportation.

WHAT IS THE DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS PROGRAM (DACA)?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program allows eligible individuals to live and work in the U.S. for two years before applying for renewal. DACA protects people who entered the U.S. as children without legal documentation. Known as “DREAMERS,” these individuals can live and work in the U.S. under the program.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS PROGRAM (DACA)?

Under the original DACA program, you may qualify if you:

● Were under 16 years of age when you arrived in the U.S.

● Were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and when you applied for deferred action.

● Have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, excluding short, casual departures.

● Were born after June 15, 1981, making you under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.

● Entered the U.S. without inspection or with a visa before June 15, 2007.

● Are attending high school, have graduated or received a GED, or are an honorably discharged U.S. Armed Forces veteran or Coast Guard veteran.

● Have not been convicted of a significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, or a felony and do not pose a threat to public safety or national security.

HOW LONG IS DACA VALID?

DACA must be renewed every two years. While it provides a temporary solution to stay in the U.S., the program faces ongoing legal challenges, leaving its future uncertain. To explore alternative options for legally staying in the U.S., contact our immigration attorneys at Vernon & Associates.

BENEFITS OF DACA

Although DACA does not grant permanent legal status, it offers several benefits, including:

● Obtaining a Social Security number

● Acquiring a driver’s license

● Working in the U.S.

● Studying in the U.S.

● Traveling abroad with advanced parole (under certain circumstances approved by USCIS)

● Renewing status every two years

You may lose work authorization and accrue unlawful presence if your DACA expires. To avoid this, submit your renewal application approximately 120 days before your work permit expires.

Read more about how individuals with DACA can explore pathways to legal residency while addressing challenges related to their undocumented status.

THE CURRENT STATUS OF DACA

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was implemented in June 2012 under the Obama administration. While efforts to phase it out during the Trump administration were challenged in court, President Joe Biden reinstated DACA.

Here’s the current status of DACA:

● DACA holders can renew their status and continue to receive benefits, including Advance Parole authorization for travel.

● USCIS is accepting first-time DACA applications but is not required to process them.

● One-year grants of deferred action can now be extended to two years.

● Employment authorization documents issued for one year can also be extended to two years.

Speak With an Immigration Lawyer

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION