DACA

“Dream” Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an order issued by President Obama on June 15, 2012, that made a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) process for deferring action against people who came to the U.S. as children. DACA was not passed as legislation, but it includes portions of the famously known DREAM Act. On August 15, 2012, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) started accepting I-821D form applications for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which offers the following benefits:

• Deferred action on deportation and removal proceedings for two years
• Permission to work in the U.S. for certain undocumented workers
• Other privileges may apply, such as qualifying for a driver’s license
• Granting of a Social Security card
• Eligibility for obtaining a state driver’s license

It is critical to work with a deferred action attorney who can help you to fully understand your legal options and those of your children. If you choose to apply on your own and your application is denied, you have no right to appeal your case. You have one chance to submit your application, and it is imperative that it be done right the first time.