DACA (DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS)

Popularly referred to as the DREAM Act, and its recipients as "Dreamers," DACA is available for those who are uncodumented and were brought over to the U.S. as children.

Further requirements include that one: was born on or after June 16, 1981; came to the United States before reaching one's 16th birthday; has continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007 up to the present time; was physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012; is currently in school, has graduated from high school, or has obtained a general education certificate (GED); and has not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Various other conditions and requirements may apply, so one should consult with an experienced immigration attorney in preparing and filing such application properly.

PLEASE NOTE: Per the USCIS website, "[o]n Sept. 13, 2023, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas issued a decision finding the DACA Final Rule unlawful and expanding the original July 16, 2021 injunction and order of vacatur to cover the Final Rule. However, the court maintained a partial stay of the order for 'all DACA recipients who received their initial DACA status prior to July 16, 2021.'" Basically, as of September 13, 2023, initial DACA applications will not be adjudicated by USCIS and DACA renewals will for those who received DACA before July 16, 2021, will continue.

If you are undocumented and were brought to the United States as a child, please contact our office using the form below: