Portland DACA Lawyer
Expert Advocacy for Seamless Immigration Solutions
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) was introduced in 2012 and
seeks to provide removal relief and limited benefits to undocumented
immigrants who entered the United States as children. The program has faced numerous
disruptions – including an outright dismantling effort in 2020 –
and continues to face new challenges.
Our Portland DACA attorney can help existing program beneficiaries obtain
benefits and renew their status. At
Sarpa Law, our immigration lawyers are compassionate to the uncertainties inherent
to being undocumented. They are prepared to leverage our over
15 years of legal experience to identify and implement creative, cost-effective legal solutions. No
matter your situation, we are determined to protect your life in the United
States and will work to overcome your challenges.
Call Sarpa Law today at (503) 755-5587 or
contact us online to schedule a meeting with our DACA attorney in Portland!
DACA Benefits and Limitations
DACA confers several significant advantages to program recipients. However,
DACA does not provide a pathway to U.S.
citizenship, as beneficiaries are not eligible for green cards. They also do not have
any legal status – DACA status only prompts “deferred action.”
DACA beneficiaries are protected from removal efforts so long as their
program status remains active, and they don’t have a disqualifying
criminal record. They can live and work in the United States if they meet specific
requirements. Program recipients can also obtain social security numbers,
driver’s licenses, and work authorizations.
DACA relief is generally issued in two-year increments, and program beneficiaries can apply to renew their DACA status indefinitely.
There have been situations in recent years where renewals have been temporarily
halted due to legal challenges. Our Portland DACA attorney can help you
navigate these scenarios.
DACA Eligibility Requirements
The availability of DACA for certain immigrants, such as first-time applicants,
is continuously in flux, and you should check with our law office for
the latest news.
Because the program has not been significantly expanded since its introduction,
only a limited number of immigrants will qualify for the DACA program.
You must provide evidence that you meet a series of eligibility requirements.
You may qualify for the DACA program if:
- You entered the United States unlawfully before turning 16
- You have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15th, 2007
- You were under the age of 31 on June 15th, 2012
- You were physically present in the United States on June 15th, 2012
- You had no valid immigration status on June 15th, 2012
- You are physically present in the U.S. at the time you submit your DACA
application
-
You have completed high school, earned a General Education Development
(GED) diploma, are currently enrolled in school,
or have been honorably discharged from the U.S. military
- You have not been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor, or any combination
of three misdemeanors
- You do not pose a threat to public safety or U.S. national security
Contact Sarpa Law if you need help navigating turbulent DACA issues!
We offer our legal services in English and Spanish.