Tampa DACA Attorney

Assisting Clients With DACA Matters in Florida

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA is not a U.S. immigration statute but rather a policy designed to allow certain individuals who were brought into the United States illegally as children to obtain certain benefits such as work permits, driver’s licenses, and Social Security numbers. Deferred action on removal proceedings and accompanying work authorization is allowed under the program for up to two years and can be renewed.

Different political administrations have tried to expand and rescind the program, and their efforts have been challenged in the courts. The bottom line is that it can be difficult to understand the status and rights of DACA recipients and applicants.

Immigration attorneys who work with DACA help individuals define and defend their rights under the program. If you are a recipient of DACA relief or have an interest in an initial or renewal DACA request and need assistance, a dedicated DACA lawyer at American Dream^® Law Office is prepared to work to achieve your goals.

Call the American Dream Law Office today at (813) 499-1250 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our DACA attorney in Tampa.

The Effect of Recent Court Rulings

Although courts have ruled that the DACA policy has legal flaws, they have also noted that people have come to rely on this policy of deferred removal and suddenly discontinuing the program would cause extreme hardship. At the present time, the Department of Homeland Security is continuing to accept initial and renewal DACA requests and their concurrent requests for employment authorization.

However, the agency is not currently able to grant initial requests but only renewals. The courts do expect the government to revise the policy so that hopefully the immigration agency will soon be in a position to grant initial requests .

Guidelines for Requesting DACA

DACA can be requested by someone who meets the guidelines, which include:

• Entrance in the U.S. before age 16
• Under age 31 by the implementation date of the policy (June 15, 2012)
• Continuous residence in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 until the present
• Physical presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 and at time of making the DACA request
• No lawful immigration status before June 15, 2012 or lawful status that had expired as of that date
• Graduation from high school, GED, honorable discharge from U.S. Armed Forces or currently in school
• No convictions for a felony or serious misdemeanor, no more than two convictions for minor misdemeanors, and no threat to national security or public safety

A skilled DACA lawyer could review your circumstances to determine whether you qualify and help you document your eligibility.

Understanding the DACA Process

The DACA application process includes several key steps:

• Eligibility Evaluation: Determining eligibility is the essential first step. We can carefully assess your situation, ensuring you meet these requirements and avoid potential complications in the application process. This evaluation can also reveal any potential obstacles, such as minor criminal offenses, that could affect eligibility.
• Document Preparation: To apply for DACA, you must provide evidence of your arrival in the U.S., continuous residency, and education status. Commonly required documents include school records, medical records, employment documentation, and evidence of continuous residence. Gathering these documents can be overwhelming, and missing paperwork can result in delays or even denials. Legal guidance helps ensure every document is in place, complete, and correctly formatted, improving your chances of success.
• Completing and Submitting Form I-821D: Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is the primary application form for DACA. This form requires detailed personal information, including residence history, educational background, and criminal history (if any). Alongside Form I-821D, applicants must submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and Form I-765WS (Worksheet). We can assist in completing these forms accurately to avoid errors that could slow down processing times or result in rejection.
• Paying Filing Fees and Submitting Biometrics: Filing fees for DACA applications include the cost of Form I-765. Applicants must also submit biometrics (fingerprints) at a USCIS Application Support Center. During this step, legal guidance can help ensure all payments are made accurately and biometrics are scheduled promptly so there are no unexpected issues.
• Receiving USCIS Decision: Once USCIS reviews your application and biometrics, they will issue a decision. If approved, you will receive deferred action status, protecting you from deportation and granting work authorization for two years. This approval allows you to work and live in the U.S. legally, though DACA status must be renewed every two years.
• Renewal of DACA Status: DACA renewals require timely submission of an updated application, generally four to five months before expiration. Renewals have similar requirements as initial applications and a knowledgeable lawyer can help ensure renewal applications are complete and submitted on time to avoid any lapses in status.

Contact Our DACA Attorney in Tampa Today

U.S. immigration policies such as DACA are complex and subject to frequent change. To take advantage of the best opportunities, it is helpful to work with a legal professional who focuses on immigration issues all day, every day.

At American Dream^® Law Office, we understand what’s at stake with a DACA request and we fight tirelessly to achieve your objectives. To talk to us and learn more about how we could assist in your situation, contact us today for a confidential consultation. 

Contact the American Dream Law Office today to get started with our Tampa DACA lawyer.