Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Update: On February 16, 2015 a temporary injunction issued by a federal judge in Texas blocks Obama’s executive action on the expansion of DACA. Therefore, the USCIS will not be accepting requests for expansion of DACA on February 18 as originally planned. The temporary injunction does not affect the existing DACA. Individuals may continue to request an initial grant of DACA or renew their DACA per guidelines established in 2012. Please check back for updates.
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several guidelines may request consideration of deferred action.
Following the November 20, 2014 announcement of President Obama’s decision to take executive action on immigration, DACA has been expanded to cover more people.
An individual is now eligible for DACA if he or she:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Came to the United States before reaching their 16th birthday;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
- Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor,or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
When can you apply for DACA?
USCIS will begin to accept requests for consideration of expanded DACA on February 18, 2015.
Jessie Thomas is an experienced immigration lawyer that can review your eligibility for DACA, answer your questions about the process, timeline, and required documentation. We will prepare the application and ensure all supporting documents are included to avoid unnecessary delays. Get Started Today!
The Law Office of Jessie M. Thomas has extensive experience in obtaining permanent resident status and other immigration benefits through family relationships. Some of our areas of expertise include:
- Green Card Through Family
- Adjustment of Status
- Removal of Conditions on Permanent Residence
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA)
Contact a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Lawyer in Texas
For more information on deferred action for childhood arrivals, or to schedule an appointment to review your specific case, please contact Dallas Fort Worth immigration attorney Jessie M. Thomas.
We serve the immigration law needs of individuals throughout Texas and the DFW Metroplex, including North Dallas, Richardson, Plano, Garland, Mesquite, McKinney, Irving, Bedford, Euless, Arlington, Hurst, Allen, Flower Mound, Carrollton, Lewisville, Keller, Grand Prairie, North Richland Hills, Fort Worth, Denton, Lubbock, Sherman, and Amarillo.