DACA Program

Memphis Immigration Lawyer Explains the DACA Program

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.  It is an initiative started by the U.S. government in 2012 under which certain undocumented youth who came to the United States as children would not be deported.

Understand that DACA is not citizenship or a visa.  If you qualify, you are legally allowed to stay and work in the United States.  But it does not make you a citizen, nor does it give you permanent residency.

You have to meet the following criteria to qualify for deferred action:

• are under 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012;
• came to the U.S while under the age of 16
• have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007 to June 15, 2012;
• entered the U.S. without inspection of fell out of lawful visa status before June 15, 2012;
• were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and also at the time of making the request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS
• are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or armed forces;
• have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor, or have more than three misdemeanors of any kind; and
• do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

If you apply you will have to provide documentary evidence of the above criteria.  Also you must complete and pass a biographic and biometric background check.  If you’re accepted into DACA you must re-apply every two years and must do so before it expires.  The benefits of DACA are that you get an employment card, are eligible for a social security number and driver’s license, and can travel to other countries.  

If you wish to apply for this program, contact Memphis Immigration Lawyer Patrick Stegall today.