DACA IMMIGRATION IN HOUSTON
HOW TO GAIN PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN HOUSTON
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration relief program created in 2012 by the Obama administration. The program allows minors that entered or stayed in the country illegally to postpone deportation for a renewable two year time period. This program also allows young people to get permission to work, go to school, and obtain a driver’s license in the United States.
If you are thinking of applying for DACA relief, Davis & Associates has a team of immigration attorneys that can help.
DACA ELIGIBILITY
To be eligible to apply for DACA, applicants must meet certain requirements:
- Were younger than 16 years old when they came to the US
- Were younger than 31 years old on June 15, 2012
- Continuously lived in the US from June 15, 2007 to present
- Were physically present in the US on June 15, 2012 and also when applicant applied for DACA
- Entered the US without inspection before June 15, 2012 OR had legal immigration status that expired before June 15, 2012
- Currently enrolled in school, graduated from high school or received GED, or honorably discharged from the US armed forces or Coast Guard
- Have not been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors
- Does not pose a threat to public safety or national security
There is a $495 application fee and the applicant must provide these documents to show proof of the information they provide: I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; I-765 Application for Employment Authorization; and I-765WS, Worksheet.
If a person meets these requirements, it is important to know that it does not guarantee approval. Applicants must be at least 15 years old to apply unless they currently in removal proceedings, final removal order, or voluntary departure.
DACA CHALLENGES
DACA can offer relief to young people that entered or stayed in the country illegally, but it comes with potential risks.
If you or a loved one were thinking of applying for DACA, Davis & Associates would like you to consider talking with an immigration attorney first. We urge this because when a person applies for DACA, they are revealing that they are currently in the US illegally. This is fine if the applicant meets DACA requirements, but if they do not then they could be subjected to removal proceedings.
Davis & Associates has a team of immigration attorneys ready to help you. Schedule a free consultation to decide if DACA is the right choice for you and the pros and cons of applying.