DACA Attorneys in Corpus Christi, Texas

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal government program that provides administrative relief from deportation to certain individuals. People who meet DACA’s eligibility requirements are commonly referred to as “DREAMers.” The purpose of the program is to provide eligible individuals with temporary protections from deportation.

If you think that you or your loved one could be eligible for DACA protections and need help with the application process, reach out to The Torres Attorneys. Our immigration attorneys provide qualified legal advice and assist people with all matters related to immigration, including obtaining DACA protections and renewing their DACA status.

With an office in Corpus Christi, Texas, we are committed to helping immigrants and their families achieve their dreams in the United States. Our team at The Torres Law Firm provides legal counsel to individuals in Corpus Christi, Fort Worth, Dallas, and throughout Texas.

Understanding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

DACA is a federal government program that offers protection from deportation to individuals who came to the country as children. While the federal program does not give DACA recipients a legal status or a path to citizenship, it defers removal action. The protections, which last for renewable two-year periods, allow eligible individuals to obtain a work permit and legally work in the United States. Individuals who meet eligibility requirements can renew their DACA protections every two years.

Eligibility Requirements for DACA

Not all undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children are eligible to obtain DACA protections. Individuals must meet the following requirements in order to be eligible for DACA:

• Must be born after 6/15/1981;

• Must have arrived in the United States before reaching the age of 16;

• Must have continuously lived in the country from 6/15/07 to the present;

• Must have been physically present in the country when filing application/request;

• Must have had no legal status on 6/15/12;

• Must be either currently in high school or have graduated high school;

• Must have no felony convictions, serious misdemeanors, or three or more misdemeanors on their record; and

• Must not be deemed a threat to public safety or national security.

When applying for DACA, applicants must present proof of the above requirements. Applicants who wish to obtain a work permit must prove that they have the economic necessity to work.

The DACA Application Process

If you want to apply for DACA protections, you need to understand the application process, which involves the following steps:

1. Consult with an immigration attorney to determine if you meet DACA’s eligibility requirements. Your attorney will review your specific situation and explain the benefits and risks of applying for DACA.

2. The next step is to compile all the documents that you need to prove that you meet the above-mentioned eligibility requirements for DACA.

3. Fill out your application for DACA. In order to apply for DACA, you will need to complete Form I-821D and Form I-765, among others. Make sure that you answer all questions on the form truthfully and provide accurate information.

4. Submit your DACA application to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the application fee ($495).

5. Attend your biometrics exam. Make sure that you contact an experienced attorney to prepare you for your upcoming biometrics appointment to ensure a favorable outcome.

Renewal: How to Renew Your DACA?

According to the USCIS website, individuals who wish to renew their DACA status must meet the following renewal requirements:

• You have not left the country on or after August 15, 2012, without advance parole;

• You have continuously lived in the U.S. since the date you submitted your most recent paperwork to the USCIS, and the request was approved by the agency;

• You have no felony convictions, serious misdemeanors, or three or more misdemeanors on your record; and

• You are not a threat to public safety or national security.

Once you have determined that you meet the requirements to renew your DACA status, you can complete the required forms and submit them to USCIS. Consider contacting a skilled attorney to help you prepare the necessary paperwork when filing a renewal request.