DACA : Current Status, Eligility, and What Recipients Should Know
Introduction
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an executive policy established in 2012 that
has provided temporary protection from deportation and work authorization to hundreds of
thousands of young people who came to the United States as children. Despite its significant
impact, DACA has been subject to ongoing legal and political battles.
What DACA Provides
DACA grants deferred action to eligible individuals, protecting them from deportation and
authorizing them to work legally in the United States. DACA does not provide a path to lawful
permanent residency or citizenship on its own.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for DACA, you must have come to the U.S. before your 16th birthday, have
continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, have been present in the U.S. on June
15, 2012, currently be in school or have graduated, not have been convicted of a felony or
significant misdemeanor, and not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Renewing DACA
DACA is granted in two-year increments and must be renewed before it expires. USCIS recommends filing a renewal application 150 to 120 days before your current DACA expiration date. Failing to renew on time results in the loss of work authorization and deportation
protection.
Options Beyond DACA
Because DACA does not confer permanent status, many recipients pursue other pathways to lawful residence, such as marriage to a U.S. citizen, employer sponsorship, or other qualifying bases. Evaluating these options with an immigration attorney is strongly encouraged.
Conclusion
Given the ongoing uncertainty surrounding DACA, recipients should work closely with an experienced immigration attorney to protect their current status and explore all available options for long-term security.
Contact The Law Office of Elsa Soto, PLLC | Houston, Texas | www.sotolawteam.com |
