Tampa DACA Lawyer
Get Protection and Work Authorization Under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
If your parents brought you to the United States as a child, this country is your home, even if your parents did not go through official channels. This is why the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA) exists in the United States. DACA is designed to defer the removal of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, have obeyed the law, and stayed in school or enlisted in the military based on humanitarian concerns and other considerations. Additionally, DACA authorizes these individuals to work so they can continue to support themselves and their families and contribute to the U.S. economy.
People who gain protection and work authorization under DACA are called “dreamers” because the program protects the American dream for everyone who grew up within the United States.
At Gardiner Immigration, we are committed to giving you the chance to achieve the American Dream, and DACA is one tool we have to help you.
For assistance with your DACA case, please call us at (813) 750-0779 today.
What DACA Does and Doesn’t Do
DACA is a use of prosecutorial discretion that allows the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to defer removal action, or deportation, against an individual for a certain period of time. Under DACA, these individuals are also eligible for work authorization, as they would be under a green card or a professional worker visa.
Nevertheless, DACA does not provide legal status, and protections only last for 2 years, subject to renewal.
If you need help requesting consideration of deferred action under DACA or filing a DACA renewal request, our Tampa DACA attorneyis here for you.
Advance Parole
When you leave the United States as an undocumented immigrant, you may not be allowed to reenter the country without special travel documents. Advance parole allows you to travel back to the United States without applying for a visa. Under DACA, you can apply for advance parole if you need to travel internationally for urgent humanitarian reasons, such as visiting a sick relative in another country.
Who Is Eligible for DACA?
Only certain people may request DACA. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS), you may request DACA if:
- You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
- You came to the United States before your 16th birthday.
- You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007.
- You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your DACA request.
- You have never had a lawful immigration status or your lawful immigration status or parole had expired as of June 15, 2012.
- You are currently enrolled in school, have graduated high school, received a GED, or been honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces.
- You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or 3 or more other misdemeanors, nor do you pose a threat to national security or public safety.
If you meet all the eligibility requirements above, you must also undergo biographic and biometric background checks before USCIS will consider your DACA request. To request DACA, you must fill out several forms, pay a fee, and submit all your paperwork in a way the USCIS officer will understand.
Several resources can help you with this process, but none are better than an experienced Tampa DACA lawyer like our founding attorney, Grace Gardiner. Attorney Gardiner has more than 20 years of legal experience and can give you insightful guidance because she has been where you are. That’s right, Attorney Gardiner is an immigrant, and our firm is ready to help.
When Can I Apply
Anyone who is eligible for DACA can apply at any time. You can apply if you are currently in removal proceedings, have a final removal order, or have a voluntary departure order – as long as you can demonstrate you meet the guidelines for consideration.
At Gardiner Immigration, we encourage you to apply sooner rather than later, as having protection and work authorization under DACA can improve your quality of life and make it easier for you if you wish to pursue citizenship.
Although DACA was recently under attack[LR1], a United States District Court restored the program to its original form, and USCIS is accepting first-time requests, as well as requests for renewal as of December 7, 2020. Additionally, the Biden-Harris administration expressed its dedication to Preserving and Fortifying Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals on January 20, 2021.
There’s never been a better time to request DACA, and we are ready and willing to help you.
All you need to do is call us at (813) 750-0779 or contact us onlineto schedule a confidential consultation and get started today.