DACA Overview

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA")

The information below does not establish an attorney-client relationship and does not provide legal advice.  Always consult with an attorney or accredited representative in order to see how complicated immigration laws will be applied to your particular situation. Every case will be different and every person who thinks they may be eligible for DACA should consult with an attorney or accredited representative to be certain.  

Deferred Action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion.  Deferred action does not confer lawful status upon an individual.  In addition, although an individual whose case is deferred will not be considered to be accruing unlawful presence in the United States during the period deferred action is in effect, deferred action does not excuse individuals of any previous or subsequent periods of unlawful presence.  Under existing regulations, an individual whose case has been deferred is eligible to receive employment authorization for the period of deferred action, provided he or she can demonstrate "an economic necessity for employment."  DHS can terminate or renew deferred action at any time at the agency's discretion.

You may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals if you:

1) Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;

2) Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;

3) Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the
present time;

4) Were continuously present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of  making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

5) Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status  expired as of June 15, 2012;

6) Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from  high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are  an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United  States; and

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

People who qualify for deferred action obtain it for a two year period, subject to renewal, and are eligible for work authorization.  If USCIS decides to defer action in your case and you want to travel outside of the United States, you must apply for Advance Parole and pay the applicable fee.  Generally, USCIS will only grant advance parole if you are traveling for humanitarian purposes, educational purposes, or employment purposes.  

A brief, casual, and innocent absence from the United States will not interrupt your continuous residence.  If you were absent from the United States for any period of time, your absence will be considered brief, casual, and innocent, if it was before August 15, 2012, and:

1) The absence was short and reasonably calculated to accomplish the purpose for the absence; 

2) The absence was not because of an order of exclusion, deportation, or removal; 

3) The absence was not because of an order of voluntary departure, or an administrative grant of voluntary departure before you were placed in exclusion, deportation, or removal proceedings; and 

4) The purpose of the absence and/or your actions while outside of the United States  were not contrary to law.

Deferred action does not provide a path to permanent residence status or citizenship.  It is not open to immediate relatives of those who do qualify, including dependents.  

Individual whose cases are deferred pursuant to the consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals process will not be referred to ICE.  The information may be shared with national security and law enforcement agencies, including ICE and CBP, for purposes other than removal, including for assistance in the consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals, to identify or prevent fraudulent claims, for national security purposes, or for the investigation or prosecution of a criminal offense.  The above information sharing policy covers family members and guardians, in addition to the requestor.  The policy may be modified, superseded, or rescinded at any time without notice, is not intended to, does not, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by any party in any administrative, civil or criminal matter.  

A felony is a federal, state, or local criminal offense punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

For the purposes of this process, a significant misdemeanor is a misdemeanor as defined by federal law (specifically, one for which the maximum term of imprisonment authorized is one year or less but greater than five days) and that meets the following criteria:

1) Regardless of the sentence imposed, is an offense of domestic violence; sexual  abuse or exploitation; burglary; unlawful possession or use of a firearm; drug  distribution or trafficking; or, driving under the influence; or,

2) If not an offense listed above, is one for which the individual was sentenced to time  in custody of more than 90 days.  The sentence must involve time to be served in  custody, and therefore does not include a suspended sentence.

The decision whether to defer action on a particular case is an individualized, discretionary one that is made tang into account the totality of the circumstances.  

A minor traffic offense will not be considered a misdemeanor for purposes of this process.  However, your entire offense history can be considered along with other facts to determine whether, under the totality of the circumstances, you warrant an exercise of prosecutorial discretion.  

We have been working on DACA since the very first day they were accepted by USCIS- August 15, 2012.  Over the years we have represented dozens of DACA recipients.  We love our DACAmented clients and if you are seeking representation for a renewal we are happy to work with you for a flat fee.  In addition, which DACA is great we also give clients guidance about how to gain status that puts them on a pathway to citizenship.  Many of our clients who once had DACA are now U.S. citizens!  Call us and let's see what we can do together.

"I'm just so happy! Grateful for all the help and patience you & your staff have shown to me and my family. It's been a long process. From day one...you offered your help and tried to make it happen years ago. Circumstances, then, weren't in our favor. Unfortunately, my Mom passed soon after.When DACA became a reality, you contacted me immediately. Health and monitary complications began with my younger brother...it's like...I saw DACA a definite possibility, yet felt out of my reach. Like, I was too far away. When my little brother passed, I was so lost and confused. All I had done was take care for my mom and him, and for so long too. I felt guilty about being obligated to Live my life now. I didn't want to. Yet, because you were always so positive and patient with me-I still had Hope. I decided that I had to move on with my life and start over...at the age of 30! Still with no guarantee, but I had Hope on my side(and you of course!). Did all that was asked & required of me...and after several months...I have some form permission from Immigration. Even though I have always considered myself an American, I am now Acknowlegded! ...and this is just the beginning! I have so many plans and only want the best for me & my family. Major turning point in my life, I can only be Grateful and Thankful for it! This is my time to shine, and I intend to make it count! Thank you so much!" - L.S.