Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
What is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals?
Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Deferred action does not confer lawful status upon an individual.
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization.
Individuals who can demonstrate through verifiable documentation that they meet these guidelines will be considered for deferred action. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis under the guidelines set forth in the Secretary of Homeland Security’s memorandum. For more information, read the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process and the Frequently Asked Questions pages on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.
Guidelines for Requesting Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
Came to the United States before reaching your 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;
Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of 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, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
It is important to have a skilled attorney handle your Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals application. Contact me today so that I can help you with your case.
Fairfax / Northern Virginia
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Fairfax, VA 22030
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Yao Law Firm, P.C. represents clients throughout Virginia (Albemarle, Alexandria, Alleghany, Arlington, Augusta, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Fredericksburg, Goochland, Greene, Henrico, Highland, Lexington, Loudoun, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, Orange, Prince William, Rappahannock, Richmond, Rockbridge, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Staunton, Waynesboro). Our practice is focused mainly on juvenile and family law, immigration law, and elder law.