If you are an undocumented immigrant living in the United States, you might be concerned about your legal status and your future in the country you call home. Through DACA, you can have the opportunity to work and attend school in the U.S. if you qualify.
DACA applications can be complicated and confusing. A Lawrenceville DACA lawyer can explain your rights, let you know if you are eligible, and help you through the process.
At Barrios Virguez Attorneys, our Lawrenceville immigration lawyers have helped thousands of people with immigration issues, many of them in your position. We know how important family is because we’re a family firm. Contact us for an evaluation and tell us your story.
What Is DACA?
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provides temporary relief to undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children. DACA recipients are often referred to as Dreamers.
DACA allows Dreamers the opportunity to live, work, and attend school in the United States without the fear of deportation looming over them. It was introduced via an executive order by President Barack Obama in 2012 as an effort toward immigration reform.
DACA applications have strict eligibility requirements and can be confusing. A skilled Lawrenceville DACA attorney can help ensure that you are taking the correct steps and complying with procedures.
For a free legal consultation with a daca lawyer serving Lawrenceville, call 678-888-2222
DACA Qualifications
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers DACA under the Department of Homeland Security. Recipients must meet specific criteria to qualify for a temporary stay of deportation. This includes:
- Must have entered the U.S. before the age of 16
- Must be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Have resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- Must be enrolled in school, have graduated from high school, have earned a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the military
- No serious criminal convictions
- Do not pose a threat to national security
Under DACA, Dreamers may be granted work permits or attend school and must renew their DACA status every two years.
Lawrenceville DACA Lawyer Near Me 678-888-2222
DACA Applications and Documents
Applying for DACA requires several steps, and a Lawrenceville DACA attorney’s advice can be extremely helpful. The primary application is Form I-821D, which can be downloaded from the USCIS website or filed online.
Other forms you may need to file include:
- Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization if you intend to obtain a work permit
- Form I-765WS Worksheet for Application for Employment Authorization, which helps demonstrate your economic need for a work permit
Additional Documentation
Along with official documents, you should gather and be prepared to submit documents that prove your eligibility for DACA. These may include:
- A copy of your passport, birth certificate, or government-issued ID that proves your identity
- School records, medical records, or other documents that show you were in the U.S. before the age of 16
- Tax documents, employment records, or school records that prove you have resided in the United States since June 15, 2007
- Your high school diploma, GED, or military discharge documents
Your lawyer can review your documents and help you choose the best options to show your proof of eligibility.
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How a Lawrenceville DACA Lawyer Can Help
A DACA attorney in Lawrenceville is your legal advocate for attaining or renewing your DACA status. We can ensure you meet eligibility requirements and follow legal processes. Some of the things we can assist with include:
- Explain your rights: We can help you understand your rights under United States law so you are aware of your options.
- Evaluate eligibility: We can review your case and let you know if you meet the requirements for age, length of residence, educational status, and other specific conditions.
- Document assistance: We can help you locate and gather the important documents that show you meet eligibility requirements.
- File applications: We can help you fill out and submit the DACA application and additional forms, ensuring they are correct and complete.
- Renewal assistance: If you are already a DACA recipient, we can help you with the renewal process to ensure you are able to stay in the United States.
- Legal representation: If you are facing a serious legal issue, such as deportation, we can offer advice and represent you in court.
- Advise on DACA’s status: We can keep you updated on changes to DACA laws and advise you on your best course of action.
- Attain citizenship: DACA does not provide a direct path to citizenship, but we can help you explore other options that may allow you to become a permanent U.S. citizen.
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Traveling Out of the United States With DACA
DACA recipients can travel outside the country in specific circumstances. To do so, you must apply for advance parole by filling out the correct paperwork and paying the fee. If you have a pending DACA application, you are not eligible for advance parole.
If you leave the country without applying for the proper authorization, you immediately forfeit your DACA status. Under advance parole, you can temporarily leave the United States for the following:
- Work-related purposes, such as job assignments, conferences, or meetings with clients
- Educational purposes, like studying abroad or engaging in academic research
- Humanitarian purposes, such as funerals or attending to a sick family member
If you intend to leave the country for any reason while you are a DACA recipient, it is smart to speak to an attorney. They can ensure you remain compliant with the law and maintain your DACA status.
Contact a Lawrenceville DACA Attorney
DACA is under constant pressure, with threats to alter regulations or abolish it altogether. If you have lived in the United States for the majority of your life, it is heartbreaking to think you can be made to leave.
Our attorneys can help you with your DACA application or renewal, but we can also discuss other options with you. You may be eligible for additional programs that can lead to permanent residency and even citizenship.
Contact us today to discuss your options. At Barrios Virguez Attorneys, we understand the importance of family and community. We are here to help.
Call or text 678-888-2222 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
