On June 15, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that individuals who came to the U.S. as children and meet certain guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a duration of two years, with the ability to renew, which also grants them work authorization.
What Is DACA?
Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is the usage of prosecutorial discretion to defer removal action against certain people that meet a list of criteria. While DACA does not grant lawful status, it does provide work authorization and protection against deportation.
Qualifying For DACA
DACA is a contentious area of the law and it is particularly specific about what requirements need to be met before an individual is able to qualify. For example, an individual must have:
- Been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Come to the United States before reaching his or her 16th birthday
- Have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007 until the present
- Met certain educational criteria
- Not been convicted of a felony
Even if you feel like you satisfy all the above-mentioned criteria, you may still not be eligible for DACA. As a complex area of immigration law, having the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer while evaluating and preparing your case can mean the difference between staying in the U.S. with work authorization, or being denied based on a technicality.
Find Out If You Qualify
At The Law Office Of Jillian Yanes, P.A., we can help you process and submit your DACA request, working alongside you to ensure that your life in the U.S. is not disrupted. Contact our Naples, Florida, office at 239-449-6202 or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation and speak with a group of skilled attorneys ready to act on your behalf.