Scottsdale DACA Immigration Lawyer

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that allows certain qualifying people who came to the United States as children to apply for deferred action. For up to two years, DACA recipients may be able to remain in the United States without fear of deportation. If you believe you qualify for DACA, our firm can help you.

At New Frontier Immigration Law, we are here to guide you through the steps and help you understand what to expect throughout the application process. A Scottsdale immigration lawyer from our firm is prepared to support you as you seek to remain in the United States. Reach out today to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team.

How Our DACA Immigration Attorneys in Scottsdale, AZ, Can Help You

Our DACA immigration attorneys understand the daily uncertainty of living with a shifting legal status. We can help you apply for DACA, giving you the peace of mind to stay in the U.S. and apply for a work permit. Our immigration attorneys can also help you by:

• Explaining how DACA impacts your immigration status in the U.S.
• Reviewing your options
• Determining the requirements to reach your goal
• Helping you gather the information you need to include in your application
• Defending you from deportation
• Assisting you in getting the documents you need to function in the U.S., such as a driver’s license, social security card, or work permit

We have an experienced legal team of over 100 individuals prepared to do all of this and more when you come to New Frontier Immigration Law for help with DACA.

What Our Clients Say After Their Experience Working With Our Lawyers Serving Scottsdale, AZ

We know how overwhelming it is to handle immigration matters on your own. We have helped many clients like you in the past. After working with our firm, they say our clients have had many positive things to say. Some examples of testimonials from our clients include:

• “Very very good attorney … I recommend her as the top of the line .. very professional and very good service she helps us in our immigration case we got the bail bond and very reasonable .. she have the capability to turn the table around anytime she can make impossible to possible thank you very much again Hilary .. my family is very thankful to you.” – Harpal S.
• “Hillary Gaston Walsh is a first-rate attorney. If I had all the money in the world, there’s no other attorney I’d want to represent me. Hillary is a good person, with a good heart.” – Joel B.

Guidelines to Qualify for DACA in Scottsdale, AZ

According to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you may qualify for DACA if you meet the following criteria:

• You were under 31 years of age on June 15, 2012
• You came to the U.S. before you turned 16 years old
• You have remained in the U.S. from June 15, 2007, until the date you requested DACA
• You were present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time you requested DACA
• You did not have lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012, or any time before that
• You are enrolled in school, or you have graduated or obtained a certificate equivalent to graduating high school
• You have not been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors

How to Renew Your DACA With Our Scottsdale, AZ Lawyers

There is a lot of paperwork involved in renewing your DACA. Our attorneys are up to date on the latest court decisions and how they may affect your application. We are here to help. You may apply for renewal online or by mail. Although each case has specific requirements, we have outlined the typical procedure.

Online DACA Renewal

When renewing your DACA enrollment online, you will need to:

• Create a free account at USCIS.
• Fill out the required forms I-821D, I-765, and I-765WS. Forms not available to fill out online will need to be downloaded, filled out, and then uploaded to your account. If you have an account, your previous DACA renewal form will help you fill out the forms with information that has not changed since your previous application was completed.
• Pay your application fees and upload any requested supporting documents.

DACA Renewal by Mail

Filing and tracking your DACA renewal application online is helpful, but sometimes it’s not possible. The essential steps for applying by mail are the same as applying online:

• Download and fill out the necessary forms, using your previous renewal application as a guide, if possible.
• Determine the filing fees and provide appropriate payment.
• Read the instructions carefully and follow directions exactly. Applications may be returned for the smallest of errors.
• Make copies of everything, including your supporting documents, and mail the packet to the correct address.

Eligibility for DACA Renewal

Typically, if you met the requirements for your initial DACA application and were approved, you must additionally meet the below guidelines to be eligible for DACA renewal:

• You didn’t travel without authorization outside the U.S. after August 14, 2012.
• You have lived in the U.S. from the time you were granted your last DACA to now.
• You have not been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors and are not a national security risk or a threat to public safety.

Validity Period of DACA Enrollment

Those who enroll in DACA receive the protections and benefits of the program for two years before renewal is necessary. Unfortunately, the renewal process can be a long one. USCIS recommends that applicants submit their renewal request 120 to 150 days before DACA expiration. 

With the short validity period and the long application process, it can easily feel as though you are on a carousel going round and round with your application to the program.

Required Documents for a DACA Application

The documents required for a first-time DACA application and a renewal application differ. You will need to provide far less information when renewing your enrollment than is necessary for a first-time applicant.

First-Time DACA Application

If you are filing an initial DACA Application, you will need to include:

• A completed Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
• A completed Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization Document
• Application fees and money for biometrics
• Proof of identity
• Proof you arrived in the United States before turning 16 years of age
• Proof of established residence in the country prior to turning 16 if you left the United States and returned at a later date
• Proof of residency since June 2007
• Proof that any absences from the U.S. after 2007 were brief
• Proof of presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012
• Proof that you had no legal status in the country on June 15, 2012
• Proof of current enrollment or graduation from high school, or that you obtained a GED, or were honorably discharged from military service
• Proof that you were not convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors

Other supporting documents may also be required, depending on your situation. An experienced immigration lawyer can review your status to help determine what other documents may be necessary. In addition to submitting these documents, you will also need to attend a biometrics appointment at your local USCIS Application Support Center.

Renewal DACA Application

If renewing your enrollment in DACA, you will need to provide:

• A completed Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
• A completed Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization Document
• Renewal application fees
• Proof of identity
• Proof that you did not depart the U.S. on or after August 15, 2012, without first filing Form I-131 for valid travel
• Proof you have resided in the U.S. continuously since submitting your most recent DACA application
• Proof you have not been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors
• Proof that you don’t pose a threat to national security or public safety

Benefits of Enrollment in DACA Program

While enrollment in DACA does not grant you official legal status or put you on a path to permanent residency and citizenship, the program does offer critical improvements to the life and overall well-being of those in the program.

The main benefits of the program include:

• The ability to acquire a Social Security number
• Access to a work permit
• Eligibility to acquire a driver’s license
• Protection against deportation

Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty of the future of this program, those enrolled are often faced with serious questions about their future in the country. The protections and benefits offered by DACA are constantly being threatened, leaving those who rely upon the program with ongoing uncertainty.

However, by building a relationship with an immigration attorney as you apply for or renew your DACA enrollment, you will have someone in your corner who can explain any changes to the law and help protect you if the program ends.

What You Can Do If Your DACA Is Not Approved

If your request for DACA was not approved, you generally are not able to appeal the decision or attempt to reopen your case. However, in some circumstances, you can request that your case be reviewed by the USCIS to determine if an administrative error was made in denying your application.

Our DACA immigration lawyers in Scottsdale, AZ, can help you determine the reason why you were denied DACA. Then, we can help you explore your options for remaining in the United States.

Current Status of the DACA Program

The DACA program has faced various legal challenges since it first went into effect over a decade ago. Despite many attempts to dismantle the program, it remains intact and received further legal support in 2022, making it more difficult for opponents of the program to take it apart.

However, while USCIS is processing and approving renewal applications, there currently isn’t a path for new applicants to join the program. While new applications are being received, processing is on an indefinite hold.

If you qualify for DACA but are not currently enrolled, an experienced immigration lawyer can help you prepare and file your application so that if the processing of new applications does begin again, you will not face any further delays in joining the program.

Contact Our DACA Immigration Attorneys in Scottsdale, AZ Today

We are ready to bring the full power of our law firm to your case. We want to hear your story. Our team knows how overwhelming it can feel to attempt to navigate the immigration process alone.

Let us guide you as you apply for DACA or renew your application. To get started with New Frontier Immigration Law, reach out to us for a strategic session. We offer free, no-obligation case evaluations, so don’t hesitate to contact us today.