Who Can Apply for DACA (Deferred Action) Now (Feb. 2015)?

Requirements for DACA

Although the expanded DACA Program has been delayed, there is currently a program in place for those who meet the following requirements:

1. Under Age 31 on June 15, 2012
2. Arrived in US before 16th Birthday
3. Continuously Resided in US from June 15, 2007, to present
4. Entered US Without Inspection (sometimes called illegal entry) before June 15, 2012
5. Currently in school, have graduated from high school, or have GED, or honorably discharged from military
6. Age 15, or older, at time of application

Complicating Factors that require careful evaluation before filing a DACA Application

1. No documents, or few documents, showing presence in US
2. Criminal Charges
3. Previous immigration application
4. Absences from US since June 15, 2007 ( or 5 years before filing)

Seek advice from an experienced immigration lawyer if any of the above complicating factors apply to you.

Benefits of an Approved DACA Application

1. Protection from deportation for 3 years
2. Able to apply for permission to work in the US
3. Able to apply for a Social Security Number

Risks in Applying for DACA

1. If you apply, and you are not eligible, you could be deported.
2. Some kinds of denials may make you permanently unable to file immigration applications in the future. For example, some kinds of criminal convictions may be a permanent bar to entering the US.