DACA Lawyers Near Me in California
DACA Immigration Lawyers in Ontario, San Jose, Chicago, Sacramento, and other areas of the United States – Free Consultation
Lawyers for DACA
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a U.S. policy that benefits people who arrived in the United States before the age of 16 and who meet certain educational requirements and have good social connections. People who apply for DACA are commonly known as Dreamers. But just like applying for permanent residency, DACA applicants should hire immigration attorneys for guidance and representation. Many people are eligible for this benefit, but poor legal advice and insufficient information can disqualify someone from receiving the program’s benefits. Therefore, if you entered the United States as a minor and wish to improve your legal status, you should schedule a consultation with an attorney experienced in immigration cases.
DACA is a policy that applies to undocumented immigrants in the United States, guaranteeing them work authorization, a social security number, and a driver’s license. Keep in mind that many factors can help you legalize your status or receive DACA benefits, such as obtaining a GED, avoiding minor offenses, improving your professional resume, and maintaining good social relationships. These aspects may seem insignificant to many, but immigration authorities consider them carefully when offering a variety of benefits to people who are not legal residents of the United States.
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New DACA applications are now being accepted. Our attorneys can assist you with new applications and renewals.
What is DACA?
On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain individuals who came to the United States as children and who meet specific criteria may apply for deferred action consideration for a two-year period, subject to renewal. These individuals are also eligible for employment authorization.
Deferred action is the use of prosecutorial discretion to postpone removal proceedings against an individual for a specified period of time. Deferred action does not confer legal status.
DACA Requirements
- Minimum age 15
- in the United States before the age of 16
- Prove that he/she physically lived in the United States since 6/15/2012
- Under 31 years old on 6/15/2012
- enrolled in High School or Secondary School
- GED (General Educational Development Test)
- High School Graduate
Process for submitting a DACA petition
- Proof of your identity
- Proof that he came to the U.S. before turning 16.
- Proof of immigration status
- Proof of presence in the U.S. as of June 15, 2012
- Proof that he has resided continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- Proof of your student status at the time of applying for DACA consideration
- Proof that you are an honorably retired veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces • Form DD-214
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Testimonials- DACA
Immigration Results
Over the years, The United Firm | The APC Defense League has successfully won numerous criminal, deportation, and citizenship cases. Below are some examples of cases we have won. Client names have not been included for their protection and privacy.
Fresno
Deportation
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Citizenship
fresno
Naturalization
fresno
Residence
fresno
U-Visa
fresno
VAWA
If you are under the protection of the DACA program, you have some benefits, but it doesn’t mean you are completely protected. In fact, with the help of our DACA attorneys in California, you could have additional options (such as residency through family, marriage, etc.), depending on your specific situation. If you were arrested in California, you must act quickly. Having immediate support and guidance can completely change the course of your case.
What should I do if ICE stops me?
In California, local policies often offer special protections to immigrants. However, there are no absolute guarantees. An ICE arrest can happen at any time and in any place. Knowing how to react to an arrest can help you protect your rights and remain in the United States.
If you are detained, avoid reacting out of fear. Do not sign any documents you don’t understand, and do not give out information about your immigration status. You can calmly say that you prefer to remain silent and contact a lawyer. This action, though it may seem simple, can open up important legal options for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- To have been under 31 years old in June 2012.
- Having arrived in the USA before turning 16
- Having resided in the United States since June 15, 2007.
- Having been in the USA on June 15, 2012 when this program to benefit those brought to the United States as minors was created.
- Having studied high school or being studying for the GED or high school.
- Take the immigration status test
- Demonstrate with evidence your presence in the USA as of June 15, 2012.
- Demonstrate with evidence that you have resided in the USA from June 15, 2007 to the present.
- DACA applications are valid when applicants demonstrate that they are students.
- Provide evidence that you are a retired veteran of the Armed Forces or Coast Guard.
- Having a clean criminal record.
- Take into account the behavior of the applicants.
If you have one of the following legal backgrounds, you may not be eligible for DACA, and you may even be excluded from obtaining permanent residency in the United States:
- He has been convicted of serious crimes
- He has committed several minor offenses
- He has committed an act that threatens national security
But keep in mind that currently, immigration laws are focusing on helping young professionals who want to get ahead in a country of opportunity.
If you meet all the requirements mentioned above, you can contact an immigration attorney. Keep in mind that you must meet all these requirements to qualify for DACA. Our attorneys will guide you through the entire DACA application process, offer you the best advice, and help you gather all the necessary information.
- Permission for beneficiaries to work legally in the country, demonstrating all their technical and professional knowledge.
- Deportation delay. A person who is not protected by DACA can be deported to their country.
- University tuition in the U.S. state where the beneficiary resides. Access to health insurance.
- Driver’s license to move around legally without complications.
For more information, you can contact us by phone or email. You can also visit our offices so we can offer you the best solutions.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a government program that can protect you from deportation and gives you permission to work legally, as long as you meet the requirements implemented since June 15, 2012.
If you are interested in applying for DACA, you must have been under thirty-one (31) years of age as of June 15, 2012. In addition, according to USCIS, to apply for DACA you must be at least fifteen (15) years old and not be in any deportation proceedings or final order of removal.
The requirements to determine your DACA eligibility are very clear and specific. Our DACA attorneys can help you check if you meet them; we can also advise you on gathering the necessary documents and evidence. Remember that you are eligible for DACA if you meet the following requirements:
- You arrived in the United States before you turned 16.
- You must have been between fifteen (15) and thirty-one (31) years old as of June 15, 2012.
- Having lived in the United States continuously since June 2007 or earlier.
- Are you currently in school or do you have a high school diploma, GED diploma, or TASC?
- You have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three misdemeanors.
- You must not pose a threat to public safety or national security.
To obtain DACA and work authorization in the United States, it is important to follow the steps recommended by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These steps are:
- To apply for DACA, it is very important to determine if you meet all the requirements established by USCIS.
- Complete the application forms correctly (Form I-821D, forms I-765 / I765WS).
- Gather all supporting documents and evidence to prove you meet the requirements, in addition to identification documents. A DACA attorney can assist you in gathering the necessary documents and evidence.
- Pay the fees for submitting forms to the relevant entities.
- Mail the forms and documents needed to start the DACA application.
- Attend an Application Support Center (ASC) for biometric services (photography and fingerprinting).
- After this process you will receive your DACA permit, along with an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Our lawyers are specialists in the DACA application process; they can guide and advise you through each step of your application.
The current processing time for DACA applications is between three (3) and six (6) months. This depends on the number of applications received and the state where your application is processed. However, waiting times may be longer if there are errors in completing the forms or if the documentation is incomplete.
Remember that you can renew your DACA application four (4) months before it expires. USCIS has proposed shortening the DACA renewal process to 120 days.
To apply for DACA, you must take into account the following filing fees:
- Form I821 filing fee: $495
- Form I765 filing fee: $410
- Biometric services fee: $85
Should you wish to acquire the services of a DACA lawyer, this may entail additional costs due to legal advice, representation, and follow-up.
DACA attorney fees can vary depending on the complexity of the case. You should also factor in the time spent completing forms and gathering evidence to prove eligibility. Typically, this fee ranges from $300 to $500 for cases that don’t require additional time. In complex cases, DACA attorney fees can reach $1,000.
If you would like a free consultation with the best DACA lawyers in California, you can contact the Defense League at 1-844-800-5517 or fill out your consultation request on the website https://laligadefensora.com/.
Marrying a U.S. citizen is an important option for adjusting your immigration status; however, there are certain conditions within this process. If you have DACA, for example, your situation will depend on several factors, especially how you entered the country.
In some cases, marriage can allow you to begin the process toward permanent residency. However, if you entered the country irregularly, you may need additional steps such as a travel permit or consular processing.
This is where many people make mistakes by trying to do it without guidance. What seems like a simple process can become complicated if not handled correctly. Our immigration attorneys in California can evaluate your case and immigration history to find the right strategy. We will find the most effective legal options to make your marriage a real opportunity to obtain your legal status.
If you’ve had recent run-ins with the police and are looking to renew your DACA status, it’s crucial that an attorney review your case. The legal actions you take will determine your status within the DACA program. Indeed, there are legal risks if you are convicted of a crime. However, each case must be analyzed in detail. A minor interaction is not the same as an arrest or a formal charge.
The federal government typically reviews your criminal record before proceeding with a DACA renewal; and if it finds a record that raises concerns, it may be considered a problem. Even if the case did not result in a conviction, it’s important to analyze how it was recorded so that it doesn’t hinder your application.
This is where many people become overconfident or, conversely, unnecessarily frightened. The reality is that every situation must be evaluated within its context. Our DACA attorneys in California will review the extent of your background and how it may influence your case. A timely analysis can prevent delays, additional applications, or even a denial.
Advance Parole can be a very useful tool for leaving the country and re-entering legally. However, it is not always available if your DACA is in the process of being renewed.
In general, you need to have your DACA approved and valid to apply for Advance Parole. Attempting to travel or starting the process at the wrong time can create unnecessary complications. Furthermore, leaving the country without a valid reason can affect your ability to return without problems or even impact future immigration benefits.
Therefore, rather than a quick decision, this is a step that should be carefully planned. A well-structured trip can help, but a poorly planned one can complicate your situation.
If you need to leave the country and are a DACA recipient, it’s best to have a DACA attorney review your situation. A hasty decision could negatively impact your DACA renewal and any future immigration process.
Many immigration documents, including work permits under the DACA program, are mailed to the registered address. Therefore, if you haven’t updated your address, there’s a risk your document could get lost, be delivered to the wrong address, or the process could be significantly delayed.
Furthermore, not receiving important notifications can impact your case beyond the physical document, as you will not be aware of the progress and updates of your situation.
The good news is that in many cases this can be corrected, but it’s crucial to do so as soon as possible. At La Liga Defensora, we’ll be monitoring your case and will help you update your address information if needed.
If you have changed your place of residence and are awaiting the update of your work permit, contact La Liga Defensora. Our DACA attorneys in California will take immediate administrative action to ensure an effective process.
If more than a year has passed since your DACA expired, your application is no longer handled as a simple renewal. In most cases, it will be treated as an initial application, which may change the requirements and processing times.
Furthermore, DACA policies have changed in recent years, making it even more important to review the current situation before applying. This doesn’t mean you don’t have options, but rather that you need a well-defined strategy. Submitting an application without understanding the current context can lead to rejections or unnecessary delays.
If your DACA status expired some time ago, it’s best to carefully evaluate your case and consider all available options. In a free initial consultation, our DACA experts in California can assess your situation and explore ways to regain your immigration benefits.