The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program can be a lifeline for young immigrants who enter the U.S. at a young age. It is important to understand the USCIS is not taking new applications at the moment. However if you want to explore options from DACA to permanent residency, a Glendale DACA immigration lawyer can be a valuable source of support.
This guide provides an overview of the DACA program and how a Glendale immigration attorney can assist you. We understand that immigration matters can feel overwhelming, and our goal is to offer helpful information in a clear and friendly way. Remember, you are not alone in this process.
What You Should Know About the DACA Immigration Program
DACA Requirements
DACA eligibility has specific criteria. Even though the program is not taking new applications far in 2024, under regular circumstances the time USCIS takes to process a DACA application depends on the specifics of each case. A Glendale immigration lawyer can assess your situation and explain the requirements in detail. To apply for DACA, you must:
- Have entered the U.S. illegally before you were 16 years old
- Have been in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and had no lawful status on that day, and been in the U.S. when you applied for DACA
- Not have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors, or pose a threat to national security or public safety
- Have lived in the U.S. full-time since June 15, 2007
- Have been born on or after June 16, 1981
- Be in school or have completed high school or a GED, or been honorably discharged from the armed forces
DACA Application and Renewal Process
The DACA application process involves gathering documents and application forms. A Glendale immigration attorney can ensure your application is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
- Gather Required Documents. An attorney can help you collect all the necessary paperwork to support your application.
- Complete the Application Form. A lawyer can guide you through filling out the application (Form I-821D) carefully to avoid any errors.
- Submit Your Application. Your lawyer can ensure your application is submitted properly to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Biometrics Appointment. If your application is accepted, you might be required to attend a fingerprint scan appointment.
- Processing Time. Processing times for DACA applications can vary. A lawyer can keep you informed about the status of your case and address any concerns you might have during this waiting period.
- Renewal. DACA grants are currently valid for two years. A lawyer can help you with the renewal process before your current DACA period expires.
What You Should Expect After Submitting a DACA Application:
After submitting your DACA application, you can expect to wait for a processing decision from USCIS. This waiting period can sometimes feel stressful. A Glendale immigration lawyer can answer your questions and provide guidance throughout this time.
Here’s a general idea of what to expect:
- USCIS Receipt Notice. You should receive a notification from USCIS confirming they have received your application.
- Biometrics Appointment Notice (if applicable). If required, you’ll receive a separate notice for your fingerprint scan appointment.
- Decision Notification. USCIS will notify you by mail of their decision on your application (approval, denial, request for additional evidence).
Important Note: This is a simplified overview, and DACA eligibility requirements and processing times can change. It’s important to consult with a Glendale immigration lawyer to get the most up-to-date information and personalized guidance for your specific situation.
Benefits of DACA Protection
Living under the protection of DACA makes life easier than trying to live in the U.S. without it. For example:
- DACA recipients are generally safe from deportation
- DACA provides a work permit and allows you to get a social security number
- You can receive unemployment benefits
- Many states allow you to get a driver’s license and car insurance
- You can get free representation against criminal charges if you cannot afford an attorney
- You can travel outside the U.S. under certain conditions
- You can establish credit and rent or buy a home in your own name
For a free case review with a daca immigration lawyer serving Glendale, call
Other Immigration Options a Glendale Lawyer Can Help You Navigate
The DACA program offers important benefits, but it doesn’t necessarily lead to permanent residency or U.S. citizenship. A Glendale immigration attorney can explore other immigration avenues that might align with your long-term goals, such as:
Adjustment of Status
If you meet specific eligibility requirements, this process allows you to apply for a green card based on factors like marriage to a U.S. citizen or qualifying employment. An attorney can assess your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
Family-Based Immigration
If you have close family members who are U.S. citizens or green card holders, a family petitions lawyer can help you navigate the process of obtaining a green card through family sponsorship. They can explain the eligibility criteria, gather the necessary documents, and ensure your application is complete.
Other Immigration Benefits
Depending on your individual circumstances, you might be eligible for other immigration benefits, such as:
- Asylum. If you or a loved one suffers political persecution, they may be eligible for an asylum visa.
- Work, study, and fiancé Visas. To pursue a career or college education
- Immigration bonds. An Immigration bonds lawyer can help you secure release from detention while awaiting an immigration hearing.
- Waivers of inadmissibility. A waiver of inadmissibility lawyer can help you overcome certain grounds for deportation.
- Motions to reopen. Appealing a previous immigration decision
It’s important to remember that immigration laws and regulations can be complex and ever-changing. A Glendale immigration attorney with experience in DACA and other immigration matters can provide you with up-to-date legal advice, explain your options in a clear and understandable way, and help you navigate the legal process with confidence.
Working With a DACA Immigration Attorney at New Frontier Immigration Law
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) processes your DACA renewal application. They do not require you to work with an immigration attorney. If you feel confident about meeting all of the conditions they put forward to produce an application packet that may be successful, you can proceed.
If you would feel more comfortable with one of our DACA immigration attorneys in Glendale, the benefits are significant. They include:
- In our initial strategy session, we invite you to share your story from the day you arrived in the U.S.
- We identify any areas of concern specific to your history, and based on what we learn, we present options to resolve any outstanding issues and move forward with a DACA renewal application.
- Our legal team completes your application, including gathering appropriate supporting documentation and meeting all other USCIS requirements.
- Once the application is submitted, we track its progress and keep you informed of updates.
- If the application is not successful, we will appeal the ruling.
- Should the appeal be turned down, we will review all options to stop any threat of deportation.
Our Legal Team Will Work With You in Glendale, AZ
Attorney Hillary Walsh founded New Frontier Immigration Law and built it into a powerhouse of over 100 legal staff, all working to help you establish a good life in the U.S. free of fear.
In addition to DACA, our attorneys help individuals and families with a variety of immigration cases, such as:
- Military parole in place
- Naturalization
- Appeals
- Removal defense
- U-visas
- T-visas
- Violence Against Women Act Self-Petitions
- Family petitions
The list of issues we work on is long. If you or your family face difficulties related to immigration, our legal team is ready to fight for you.
Our Clients Speak Up About Their Experience Working With Our Team in Glendale, AZ
After working with our team at New Frontier Immigration Law, our former clients say:
- “I owe my entire life to Attorney Walsh and her team. Victor, Maria, and Licely have worked alongside Hillary to get me out of ICE detention in Florence, AZ, and I could not be more grateful for their hard work. They all worked tirelessly throughout the entire process, and it is truly a miracle that I am here to write about it. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I would recommend Hillary Gaston Walsh and her EXCEPTIONAL team a million times over. Thanks, guys!” — Santiago N.
- “Hillary was absolutely amazing today. She helped answer so many pressing questions I had. She was so professional and kind. You can tell that she is so passionate about what she does. I would recommend her over and over again.” – Samantha V.
Our DACA Immigration Lawyers
Talk to an Experienced DACA Immigration Attorney Today
The U.S. immigration system can be complex, and DACA requirements can change over time. A Glendale DACA immigration lawyer can provide you with up-to-date legal advice, answer your questions, and guide you through the renewal process.
Our Glendale immigration lawyers offer free consultations. This is a great opportunity to discuss your situation with a legal professional, learn more about your options, and get a sense of the lawyer’s experience and approach. Remember, you don’t have to face the immigration process alone. Contact an experienced Glendale DACA immigration lawyer today.