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We Provide Legal Assistance with DACA. Former ICE with Nearly 10 Years' Experience in Immigration Law

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)

DACA Explained by Houston Immigration Lawyers

On June 15, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced that "prosecutorial discretion should be applied to certain individuals who came to the United States as children" in accordance with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Act. Because young noncitizens do not pose an immediate threat to national security, young people can request deferred action for two years, subject to renewal, and may apply to work legally.

All requests are analyzed and reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and individuals applying for DACA may be subject to background checks before being approved. Because DACA does not guarantee citizenship or promise a pathway to gaining residency, speaking to experienced Houston immigration attorneys can help you better understand just how DACA can protect you and your rights.

Determining DACA Eligibility

Since the passing of DACA, the DHS has provided more details about the criteria that make individuals eligible for DACA. DACA has been implemented to protect immigrants but only reaches a very specific group of individuals.

Per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the DHS, to establish eligibility for DACA, immigrants must demonstrate that they:

  • Were under the age of 31 on or before June 15, 2012
  • Arrived in the U.S. before turning 16 years of age
  • Continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to the present
  • Were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, as well as the time of requesting deferred action from the USCIS
  • Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or any lawful immigration status expired on or before June 15, 2012
  • Are enrolled in school, have graduated or obtained equivalent completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard or U.S. Armed Forces
  • Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors occurring on different dates and arising out of different acts, omissions, or schemes of misconduct, and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety

If you meet the above guidelines, you may be eligible to request for deferred action! Requesting and filing for deferred action requires a lot of paperwork, so seeking the knowledge and experience of the Houston immigration lawyers from Lopez & Rhodes PLLC is essential.

Our attorneys can ensure that all required documents are compiled correctly and that paperwork and forms are fully completed. One small mistake in the complex paperwork process could ruin your consideration for DACA, so there is no room for error. It should be noted that individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria for DACA and are facing removal proceedings or are in need of deportation defense must speak to an attorney immediately. By gaining legal counsel, you could be eligible for protection under prosecutorial discretion.

Our Attorneys can assist you with your DACA request!

Because many individuals are eligible for DACA, there has been a recent increase in scams and fraudulent offers for DACA requests. Out to take advantage of immigrants who do not know better, dishonest or predatory agencies offer faster services and quicker approval for a fee. Protecting yourself from immigration scams such as these could save you a world of heartache, time, and money.

With immigration matters such as DACA, there is no such thing as fast approval or quick processing. Though a skilled Houston immigration lawyer can work hard on your behalf to ensure that your request goes through the USCIS properly and efficiently, an honest and ethical lawyer knows to never misrepresent legal service. Immigration matters are complex and incredibly time consuming, but with the right legal representation from an accredited lawyer who understands immigration law, the process could be much easier to handle.

Don't risk your DACA request with an inexperienced immigration lawyer or fraudulent legal services. Too much is on the line, and you owe it to yourself to seek proven, trusted, and dependable legal representation in your immigration matters. With successful case history, satisfied customers, and vast experience all at a cost-efficient price, Lopez & Rhodes PLLC is the firm to trust with your DACA request.

Contact the firm and fill out a case evaluation form to get started!

Why We Make The Difference:

  • Nearly 10 Years of Experience

  • Former ICE Experience

  • Dedication and Compassion to Every Client's Situation

  • Member of American Immigration Lawyers Association

Contact Us Today!

How to Reach Us 832.514.4879 2909 Hillcroft Avenue, Suite 305
Houston, TX 77057 Map & Directions [+]
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