DACA — DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS

Philadelphia DACA Attorney

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a type of immigration relief available to young people who came to the United States as children and who meet certain requirements.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting DACA applications on August 15, 2012.  DACA is available to those who are in removal proceedings or have received final removal orders, as well as those who have never been in removal proceedings.

It is important to understand that DACA does not provide an individual with lawful status.   Deferred Action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion.  DACA is granted for only two years and must be renewed prior to the expiration date.

The Law Office of Tejal Mehta can help you determine if you qualify for DACA.  Also, attorney Tejal Mehta will assist you with applying for DACA and will work with you to prove your continuous residence in the U.S.  We have helped many clients obtain DACA and have seen how becoming a documented immigrant has changed their lives for the better.

In order to be eligible to apply for DACA, you must meet the following criteria:

• You were under 16 years old when you came to the U.S.
• You were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012
• You have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007, to the present
• You entered the U.S. without inspection before June 15, 2012, or, if you had legal immigration status, it had expired as of June 15, 2012
• You were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012 (you must also be physically present in the U.S. when you apply for DACA)
• You are currently in school, have graduated from high school, obtained your GED, or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces or Coast Guard
• You have not been convicted of a felony, a serious misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors
• You do not pose a threat to national security or public safety

You must be at least 15 years old to apply.  However, you may apply if you are under 15 if you are in removal proceedings or have a final removal order or a voluntary departure order.

We strongly urge you to consult with an immigration lawyer before applying because if you do not meet DACA criteria, you could be placed in removal proceedings as a result of exposing yourself.  You also need to be aware that DACA status is discretionary and can be revoked at any time.

To see if you can apply for DACA, please contact the Law Office of Tejal Mehta to schedule an initial consultation.