DACA Lawyers in Boston, Massachusetts: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

What is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?

DACA is a government program initiated by President Obama on June 15,2012 by which individuals who came into the United States as young children (under the age of 16), and meet certain requirements, may be granted Deferred Action which allows them to live and work in the U.S. and can even stop their removal / deportation.

Who is eligible to apply for DACA now?

The Trump administration tried to stop the DACA program in September of 2017, which prevented anyone from filing a DACA application unless they had been granted one before. However on June 18, 2020 the Supreme Court ruled that Trump’s actions were illegal and the DACA program could not be cancelled in that way. As a result, anyone who is eligible for DACA may file an application now even if they never filed one before.

In order to be eligible for the DACA program a person must:

1. Have entered the United States before they were 16 years old;
2. Have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012 (born on June 16, 1981 or later);
3. Have been physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012;
4. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007 to the present time;
5. Have entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or have had their lawful immigration status expired by June 15, 2012;
6. Currently be in school or a General Education Development (GED) program, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED certificate, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
7. Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or any drunk driving offense; and
8. Do not otherwise pose a threat to U.S. national security or public safety.

What documentation do I need to apply for DACA?

1. Copy of the Original Birth Certificate (translated if necessary)
2. Copy of School Records for every year from date of entry (if necessary to establish
   continued presence or eligibility)
3. Copy of High School Diploma, GED Certificate, or record of current enrollment in School or a GED program
4. Complete copy of any prior immigration applications, notices, records, and supporting documents filed with or received from any US government agency [USCIS, ICE, CBP, NVC, Consulate, EOIR, etc.] (if applicable)
5. Copy of Driver Licenses or State ID cards (if applicable)
6. Copy of Medical Records (if necessary to establish presence in U.S. or eligibility)
7. Employment records (i.e. pay stubs, W-2s, bank records, etc., if available)
8. Military/Coast Guard records (ie. Report of separation forms, military personnel records, military health records, etc. if applicable)
9. List of Addresses with Dates since entry to US
10. Copy of complete certified police & court records for any criminal case, including the police report, criminal complaint, plea, court orders, probation records, and any other document (if applicable)
11. Complete copy of Passport (if available)
12. Copy of I-94 Form (if applicable)
13. Copy of Federal Tax Returns (if applicable)
14. 4 USCIS/Passport-style photographs

What is the procedure to apply for DACA?

Part 1

Prepare a file with USCIS forms I-821D, I-765 I-765W and the appropriate supporting documents and records.

Part 2

Appear at the U.S. Immigration Service Support Center for fingerprints on date scheduled by the USCIS – if necessary during the COVID-19 state of emergency.

Part 3

Obtain approval notice.

What are the U.S. Immigration Service Filing Fees for DACA?

Filing Fees for forms I-821 D and Biometrics are just are $85.00 and for the Form I-765 and I-765WS, $410.00 ( Verify the U.S. Immigration Service filing fees as these change regularly).

What are the Fees of our Boston Immigration lawyers to apply for DACA?

Learn more about our fee structure.

Protect Your Future with Experienced DACA Lawyers in Boston

Navigating DACA and immigration law can be challenging, but you do not have to face it alone. Our Boston DACA attorneys help clients with DACA renewals, employment authorization, Advance Parole, and other immigration matters. We are committed to helping you understand your options and move forward with confidence.

Contact us online now or call 617-303-2600 to schedule a confidential consultation and find out how we can help you and your family.

Where can I get more information about DACA?

USCIS- I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals