Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, colloquially referred to as DACA, is perhaps the most well-known immigration policy here in the U.S. DACA essentially allows certain individuals who were brought illegally into the United States as children to remain in the United States for a period of time. If you are looking to apply for DACA or renew your status under DACA, continue reading and contact a Baltimore County, Maryland DACA lawyer from Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC today.
DACA Lawyer Helping Recipients in Baltimore County, Maryland
Since its inception, DACA has undergone several changes, ranging from a 2014 expansion, to a 2017 rescinding of that expansion, to a 2021 order reinstating DACA, and back to a federal ruling barring the government from accepting new DACA applicants. DACA has always been subject to change, and it remains so. Our Baltimore County, Maryland immigration lawyer has extensive experience handling all DACA-related matters, and we can put that experience to work for you today.
Qualifying for DACA
First, to apply for DACA, you will have to pay a $495 fee and submit various forms, including I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival, I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and I-765WS Worksheet. You will also have to prove you qualify for DACA by submitting various additional documentation. To qualify for DACA, you have to prove the following:
- You entered the United States unlawfully before your 16th birthday and have lived continuously in the United States since June 15, 2007.
- You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, and you were in the U.S. and had no lawful status at this time.
- You have not been convicted of a felony, a serious misdemeanor, or three or more less serious misdemeanors and you do not pose a threat to the safety of others.
- You are either enrolled in school, have completed high school/got a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the armed forces.
Renewals Under DACA
Once a person applies for and is accepted by the DACA program, they will have a two-year period of deferred action from deportation, meaning they can live and work in the United States for two years without trouble. Fortunately, every two years, DACA recipients may renew their stay in the U.S. for an additional two years within a 30-day window that starts 150 days before their DACA status expires. Renewing DACA status entails a $495 fee.
Contact Our Baltimore, Maryland Immigration Firm
Whether you’re looking to apply for DACA or renew your status under DACA, our firm is here to help. Contact Sheri Hoidra Law Office, LLC today to schedule your initial consultation with our experienced immigration firm.
