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What is DACA and Are You Protected?

One of the most talked about topics in the news today is immigration — leaving many immigrants anxious about their protections and rights under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) immigration policy. Here is what you need to know about DACA protections and what to do if your status is threatened.

What is DACA?

DACA allows certain undocumented individuals who were brought to America as children to be protected from deportation during a temporary, renewable 2-year period. The policy doesn't provide a path to permanent residency, but it does allow recipients to obtain a work permit and driver’s license, as well as enroll in certain colleges as state residences.

The executive order was issued in 2012, and the USCIS estimates nearly 700,000 beneficiaries were considered active in August 2018. Although the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) is not currently accepting new requests, many individuals may still have protection under DACA.

What Are the Requirements to Be Protected Under DACA?

For eligibility, DACA renewal applicants cannot have a criminal record or pose a threat to the community. Applicants must be enrolled as students, finished with their schooling, or have been honorably discharged from military enrollment. They must also:

  •  Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, without lawful status
  •  Have come to the U.S. as a child under 16 years of age
  • Have been living in the U.S. consistently since June 15, 2007

What to Do If Your DACA Status Has Been Withdrawn or Terminated

DACA renewal can be a complicated and stressful task, especially if you are unfamiliar with immigration law. If you are eligible to renew your previous grant of deferred action under DACA or your DACA protection has been withdrawn, it’s best to seek an experienced immigration attorney to assist you to increase your chances of remaining in the United States.

To have your DACA status challenged or terminated is a difficult situation, but you're not alone. An immigration attorney understands these issues and can help. If you or a loved one needs assistance with their DACA renewal, our skilled immigration attorneys are ready to get started on your case. Contact Revilla Law Firm, P.A., at (305) 858-2323 for all your immigration needs.