What is DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)?
What You Need to Know About DACA
DACA can feel complicated, but the essentials don’t have to be. Here’s a clear overview of who may qualify, what the requirements look like, and how to prepare before speaking with an immigration attorney.
On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced several important changes to the program known as “DACA” (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).
These changes expand eligibility for the program. If your application is approved, you will be granted “deferred action” for three years, which means the government will not take action to remove you from the United States, and you will be given a work permit. “DACA” is not permanent residency, nor is it a path to permanent residency, and it does not give an individual permission to travel outside of the United States and then reenter.
Who is eligible?
Under these new guidelines, you will be eligible for DACA if you:
Entered the United States before January 1, 2010 and have lived in the United States continuously since that time;
Entered the Unites States before your 16th birthday;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 AND are physically present in the United States on the date that you apply for DACA;
Had no legal status in the United States on June 15, 2012;
Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completing from high school, have obtained a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or received an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard or U.S. Armed Forces; and
Have not been convicted of certain crimes or have certain immigration history.
Individuals who have been convicted of certain crimes, who have been caught at the border attempting to enter the United States illegally, or who have been ordered removed (deported) in 2014 may not be eligible. If you have ever had ANY contact with the police or immigration authorities, you should consult with an Immigration attorney before filing any application for DAPA or any other immigration benefits.
When can I apply?
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) planned to begin accepting DACA applications under the new guidelines on February 18, 2015 (for more information, click here). However, a federal court judge has issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the federal government from implementing these changes. The injunction means that USCIS will not accept applications for DACA under the new, expanded guidelines.
Please note, individuals who currently have DACA can renew their applications, and if approved, will be granted deferred action for three years.
What should I do now?
You should begin gathering documentation for your case. This will include proof that you have been living in the United States since before January 2010, proof that you were physically present on June 15, 2012 and proof that you are in school or have a high school degree or a GED. If you have any criminal or immigration history in the United States, you will want to consult with an immigration attorney prior to filing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Costs vary based on case complexity and type. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation, including government filing fees and attorney fees.
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Please bring valid identification, immigration documents (visas, green cards, etc.), marriage/birth certificates, criminal records (if any), correspondence from immigration authorities, and employment authorization documents.
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While our office is in Seattle, we can represent clients in immigration matters nationwide, as immigration law is federal. We handle cases before USCIS, immigration courts, and consulates worldwide.
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Processing times vary significantly based on case type, USCIS service center, and current workloads. We provide estimated timelines during consultation and keep you updated throughout the process.
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Our entire staff is fluent in Spanish and English. We serve clients from diverse backgrounds and can arrange interpretation services for other languages when needed.
Have more questions? View our FAQs page →
How To Work With Us
Contact our law office at (206) 838-7628 to set up a low-cost immigration consultation to see if you qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Call, Text, or Email Our Team
Reach out in the way that feels easiest for you. Our staff will ask a few quick questions to understand your situation and confirm that it’s a type of case we handle.
Meet With the Attorney
If your case is something we can assist with, we’ll set up a 30-minute consultation with Attorney Lesley Irizarry-Hougan.
Move Forward With Clarity
After reviewing your situation, we’ll give honest guidance, explain your options, and outline the most realistic next steps.
What Our Clients Say
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— Jorge Irias
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