Brooklyn DACA Lawyer
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Patricia Machado, P.C. is an immigration law firm that is committed to helping immigrant youth in Brooklyn and throughout New York. We are passionate about helping undocumented immigrants pursue legal status and citizenship in the United States. Our team can help you determine if you are eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and guide you through the application process.
Call (646) 355-1560 or contact us online to get started with a Brooklyn DACA attorney.
What Is DACA?
In 2012, the Obama administration created the DACA program to provide temporary relief to young undocumented immigrants who had been brought to the United States as children. The program allows these individuals to receive a two-year work permit, which can be renewed, and temporary protection from deportation. To be eligible, an applicant must meet the following requirements:
- Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Arrived in the United States before the age of 16;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007;
- 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;
- 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.
It is important to note that DACA does not provide lawful status or a path to citizenship. However, it does provide temporary relief from deportation and allows recipients to work legally in the United States.
Can I Renew My DACA?
Yes, if you received DACA in the past, you can renew your status if:
- You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- You arrived in the United States before the age of 16;
- 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 request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
- You had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
- You 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;
- You 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.
How Long Does It Take for DACA to Get Approved?
It typically takes USCIS between 4 and 7 months to process DACA applications. However, processing times can vary significantly, and it is not uncommon for applications to take longer to process.
How Can an Immigration Attorney Help Me with My DACA Application?
Applying for DACA can be a complex and time-consuming process. Even if you believe you meet all the eligibility requirements, a minor mistake or oversight can result in your application being delayed or denied. To avoid these issues, it is highly recommended that you work with an experienced immigration attorney.
At Patricia Machado, P.C., we can help you with every step of the DACA application process, including:
- Evaluating your eligibility for DACA: We will thoroughly review your situation and determine if you meet all the eligibility requirements for DACA. If you do not, we can help you explore other options for legal status and work authorization.
- Preparing your application: We will complete all of the necessary forms, gather the required supporting documentation, and prepare your DACA application package. We will also ensure that you pay the correct filing fees and submit your application to the correct USCIS service center.
- Responding to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs): If USCIS requests additional information or documentation in support of your DACA application, we can help you respond to the request. We can also help you respond to a Notice of Intent to Deny, which is a formal statement from USCIS that it intends to deny your DACA application.
- Handling all communications with USCIS: Our team will communicate with USCIS on your behalf and keep you informed of any updates or changes to your DACA application. This includes notifying you if USCIS schedules an interview or requires you to submit additional information or documentation.
- Preparing you for your DACA interview: If USCIS schedules an interview for your DACA application, we can help you prepare for it. We will go over what to expect, what questions you will be asked, and how to best respond to those questions. We will also accompany you to the interview and advocate for your best interests.
- Handling any appeals: If USCIS denies your DACA application, we can help you appeal the decision. We will review the denial notice, determine why your application was denied, and identify the best way to proceed. If an appeal is not in your best interests, we can help you explore other options for relief.
Our Brooklyn DACA lawyers are committed to helping immigrant youth in New York. We will provide you with the personalized legal solutions you need and the one-on-one attention you deserve. When you choose us, you can have confidence knowing that your case is in good hands.
Call (646) 355-1560 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a Brooklyn DACA attorney.