DACA

DACA Attorneys in New Bern

What Is DACA? Understanding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

Introduced in June of 2012 by President Barack Obama, the Deferred Action for Child Arrivals, or DACA, is a policy meant to grant undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as young children reprieve from deportation efforts. Eligible applicants can obtain a two-year, renewable period of deferred deportation proceedings. The program has given hundreds of thousands of non-citizens the opportunity to remain and work in the country.

Assuming their status is kept current and active, the DACA effectively protects eligible immigrants unlawfully present in the country from being deported for an indefinite period of time. It also crucially opens the door to obtaining a work permit within the United States. However, unlike a green card, the DACA does not include a path to permanent citizenship. They also face significant hurdles to traveling outside the country, especially in light of recent changes made by the Trump administration.

Who Is Eligible for DACA?

Strict, highly specific rules determine who can apply for DACA status, and, due to the nature of the restrictions, the number of eligible candidates has not grown since the program’s debut in 2012. It is important to note that meeting the key requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

To qualify for DACA status, you must meet each of the following criteria:

  • Have been unlawfully present in the United States prior to your 16th birthday
  • Have lived continuously in the country since June 15, 2007
  • Were born on June 16, 1981 or later
  • Were present in the country both on June 15, 2012 as well as at the time of DACA application submittal
  • Have no lawful status as of June 15, 2012
  • Have not been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors
  • Have completed at least a high school education or GED, have been honorably discharged from the military, or are presently enrolled in school
  • Do not pose a threat to the nation or its public’s security

If you meet all of the above requirements, you can apply for DACA consideration by submitting the following to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS):

How Has DACA Changed?

The DACA has undergone a number of attempted changes since its enaction in 2012. President Obama’s effort to expand the program in 2014 was met with stiff resistance from Republican-controlled states, ultimately resulting in a split United States Supreme Court failing to reach a decisive verdict. The lower appellate court’s decision to enjoin the expansion stood.

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump cannot rescind the DACA program, at least not based on the inadequate justification made in his administration’s case. In other words, DACA beneficiaries continue to be protected from deportation, and eligible immigrants can continue to apply. The Court did signal the Trump administration could attempt to end the program through some other legal maneuver. However, some have theorized any further DACA challenges may be delayed until after the 2020 presidential election.

Have Questions About the DACA? Let Us Help.

The DACA program is one of many legal mechanisms that can help keep immigrant families together in the United States. We at The E.A. Wood Law Firm have helped families all over the world find legal solutions to their immigration problems. If you are confused about your eligibility for DACA or need assistance preparing your application documentation, we can help.

Do not delay in taking steps to protect your American dream. Call (800) 611-0821 or contact us online to request a consultation with a DACA lawyers near you.

E. A. Wood Law Firm Team

Hear From Our Previous Clients

  • "This law firm is the best one ever."
    This law firm is the best one ever. If you are looking for an affordable and outstanding immigration lawyer that also works with military families, I highly recommend this law firm. I had the great experience of working with Mrs. Elizabeth Wood and her exceptional staff. They were always helpful and answered all my questions whenever I needed help. Mrs. Elizabeth Wood began working on my case in 2019, where she helped me obtain my permanent resident card, and this year, she helped me get my US citizenship. I will forever be grateful with this law firm and especially with Mrs. Elizabeth Wood and Evelyn Rodriguez.
    - Sandra
  • "Exceptional in their work ethic and timely manner in providing updates"
    I will forever be grateful for Isa Gratacós and her assistant Yarenis Montero for helping my parents achieve one of their greatest dreams, to finally become permanent residents of the United States. Isa and Yarenis were exceptional in their work ethic and timely manner in providing us updates about the case along with other legalities. Thank you for changing our lives and giving us hope for a brighter future and thank you for all the work you do for your other clients in similar situations.
    - Vanderley Alexio-Arredondo
  • "The staff has gone above and beyond..."
    Definitely recommend this Law Firm if you're looking to get your citizenship, green card ,Visa, work card. The staff here has gone above and beyond anything I expected. truly worth every penny.
    - Chantale Jones
  • "Hire Elizabeth Wood, you’ll be glad you did!"
    Elizabeth Wood has been helping me for the past 14 months to get my citizenship and today was finally the day! I very highly recommend the E. A. Wood Law Firm. Elizabeth and her Assistant have stayed on top of everything for me and have kept me up to date at all times! Elizabeth has made a pretty stressful affair a pleasant experience and I’m so grateful that I had her at my side today! For anyone considering it, do NOT hesitate, hire Elizabeth Wood, you’ll be glad you did! Thanks again for everything!
    - Birgit O'neal
  • "Hard Working"
    Good afternoon Elizabeth and staff. We praise God today as the interview went on successfully. The passports were taken from them and they were asked to return next week Thursday at 2pm for their visa. On my behalf and my family am sending our thanks and appreciations to you in particular and your hard working staffs especially EVELYN CUEVAS for her relentless phone calls and prompts responses throughout the process. With that being said, i will continue to be grateful to you and your law firm by sending out the good image of your office. Your regards YAHAYA A.K. SAWANEH
    - Yahaya A.K. Sawaneh
  • "The lawyers guide you with correct information and encourage you to do the right thing. They work with you passionately." "They take the time to know your story in order to find a solution." "We need to trust the attorneys that are willing to meet face to face, not be bothered by your questions, understand your concerns and who don't play with your emotions."
    - Adriana Rodriguez Juarez
  • "High quality of services"
    I highly recommend Elizabeth Wood she is very knowledgeable about immigration law. High quality of services
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  • "These Wonderful Team of Professionals are ready to assist anyone in every way possible to achieve a successful desire."
    The E.A. Wood Law Firm have demonstrated a good quality of professionalism throughout the cause of helping & guiding their Clients, regardless of their Status, Race or Background. These Wonderful Team of Professionals are ready to assist anyone in every way possible to achieve a successful desire. Today, I am proud to say that The E.A. Wood Law Firm have helped my wife to changed her status from Non-immigrant to a Permanent Resident Status, of which we are very grateful. Therefore, without any outer of doubt, we are pleased to recommend these Law Firm to anyone.
    - Rotimi Adekanbi

    Our Results Speak for Themselves

    Real People, Real Results
    • Obtained Citizenship Naturalization

      We worked with the client to improve their reading and writing in English. After several months they were able to re-take the civics test and passed.

    • Permanent Residence Card Obtained Violence Against Women Act

      We were able to assist him in getting his lawful permanent residence card and in 5 years he will be able to apply for citizenship.

    • Extension of E2 Visa Approved Employment Visas

      A manufacturer in Eastern North Carolina needed help with one of their key employees from Germany. They required an extension of their E2 visa.

    • Removal Proceedings Terminated Removal Proceedings

      Judge agreed with our opinion and terminated her removal proceedings. This allowed us to apply for her lawful permanent residence card. We are happy to report that she received her card in January 2019.

    • Permanent Residence Card Obtained Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals to Lawful Permanent Resident to Citizenship

      One of our DACA clients later applied and received his lawful permanent residence card and just recently became a U.S. Citizen.

    El equipo de The E.A. Wood Law Firm El equipo de The E.A. Wood Law Firm