Helping Immigrants in New York City & Worldwide
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that allows certain individuals who came to the United States as children to request deferred action from deportation and obtain a work permit. DACA recipients are also known as “Dreamers.”
At the Law Offices of Norka M. Schell, LLC, we are committed to helping immigrants in New York City and worldwide. If you have questions about DACA, we can help you understand your rights and options. Our NYC DACA lawyer can guide you through the application process and help you renew your DACA status. We are here to provide the compassionate, personalized legal counsel you need.
Call 212-258-0713 or contact us online to request a consultation with our DACA attorney in NYC.
What Are the Eligibility Criteria for DACA?
Not everyone is eligible for DACA. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria.
The eligibility criteria for DACA include:
- You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- You came to the U.S. before your 16th birthday
- You have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- You were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of your DACA application
- You had no lawful status on June 15, 2012
- You are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces
- You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and you do not pose a threat to national security or public safety
It is important to note that DACA is not a path to lawful permanent residence or U.S. citizenship. However, it does provide temporary relief from deportation and allows you to obtain a work permit.
What Is the DACA Application Process?
Applying for DACA can be a complex and confusing process. At the Law Offices of Norka M. Schell, LLC, we can help you navigate the application process and ensure that you have the best possible chance of success.
The DACA application process involves the following steps:
- Prepare your application: You will need to gather the necessary documents and complete the appropriate forms. Our DACA lawyer in NYC can help you prepare your application and ensure that it is complete and accurate.
- Submit your application: Once your application is complete, you will need to submit it to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Our team can help you ensure that your application is submitted on time and that you have included all the necessary documents.
- Attend your biometrics appointment: After you submit your application, you will receive a notice to appear at a biometrics appointment. At this appointment, USCIS will take your fingerprints, photograph, and signature. Our DACA attorney in NYC can help you prepare for this appointment.
- Attend your interview: In some cases, USCIS may request an interview. If this happens, our team can help you prepare for the interview and ensure that you are ready to answer any questions that may arise.
- Receive a decision: After your application has been processed, USCIS will send you a decision. If your application is approved, you will receive your DACA status and work permit. If your application is denied, our team can help you understand your options and determine the best course of action.