Helping You Remain In The United States

One of the scariest things for people who do not have legal standing to be in the United States is the constant fear of being deported. To be thrown out of the country to possibly go back to a dangerous political environment can be a frightening prospect. The good news is that there might be a good legal option to prevent you from being deported or removed.

At Zaki Ali, Trial Lawyers, our attorney helps protect people who might be facing deportation and removal. With almost 30 years of experience, he has a thorough understanding of your rights and the legal processes involved with protecting your immigration rights. Our legal team is deeply committed to helping you through the process. We serve clients in Anderson, Indianapolis and Muncie, Indiana.

At our law firm, we care deeply about our clients. We are here to help you.

Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals

Most people who are found without official documentation and authorization to be in the country are deported and removed (sent back). However, there is an exception in the law for people who were brought here as children. The law is called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). According to DACA, people who qualify will not be deported.

To qualify, you need to meet some criteria, which include:

• Being born before June 15, 1981
• Being brought into the United States before your 16th birthday
• Having resided here without interruption since before June 15, 2007
• Having had no lawful status in the country as of June 15, 2012
• Having been physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of petitioning for DACA

There are a few other requirements in addition to these. But the general point is that you were brought into the country before you were 16, and you have been here continuously ever since.

Although the process might look complicated, we can help you through every step so that you avoid deportation and removal.

Contact Us To Get The Help You Need

Do not delay. Anything involving the immigration law processes can take some time, so get started right away by calling 1-833-ZAKI-ALI (1-833-925-4254) or by filling out our online contact form.

Who Qualifies for DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is designed for certain individuals who were brought to the United States as children. Every case is unique and eligibility should always be confirmed with an attorney, but the program has generally required that applicants:

• Came to the United States before their 16th birthday;
• Have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007;
• Were under a certain age when the program took effect;
• Are currently in school, have graduated or earned a GED, or were honorably discharged from the military; and
• Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or multiple misdemeanors, and do not pose a threat to public safety.

Because the requirements are detailed and the consequences of a mistake are serious, it is important to have an experienced immigration attorney review your history before you apply or renew.

What DACA Does — and Does Not — Provide

For those who qualify, DACA can provide temporary protection from deportation and eligibility to apply for work authorization, generally for a two-year period that can be renewed. This can open the door to lawful employment, a Social Security number, and greater stability for you and your family.

It is equally important to understand DACA’s limits. DACA is not a green card, and by itself it does not create a direct path to lawful permanent residence or citizenship. It does not grant lawful immigration status, and it must be renewed to remain in effect. Traveling outside the country while on DACA carries real risks and generally requires advance permission. An attorney can help you understand how DACA fits into your longer-term goals.

Renewing Your DACA Status

Because DACA is granted for a limited period, renewing on time is critical. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) generally recommends filing a renewal request several months before your current protection expires so there is no gap. Letting DACA lapse can interrupt your work authorization and your protection from removal, so it is wise to start the renewal process early and keep careful track of your expiration date.

The Program’s Legal Status

DACA has been the subject of ongoing legal challenges, and court rulings have affected who can apply and how applications are processed. Because the rules can change, it is more important than ever to work with an attorney who follows these developments closely. Contact our office for the most current information about your eligibility and options.

Frequently Asked Questions About DACA

Is DACA the same as having a green card?

No. DACA offers temporary protection from deportation and the ability to apply for work authorization, but it is not lawful permanent residence and does not, on its own, lead directly to a green card or citizenship.

How often do I need to renew DACA?

DACA is generally granted in two-year increments and must be renewed to stay in effect. It is best to file your renewal well before your current status expires to avoid any gap in protection or work authorization.

Can I travel outside the United States with DACA?

Traveling abroad while on DACA is risky and typically requires advance permission from the government. Leaving the country without it can jeopardize your ability to return, so you should always speak with an attorney before making travel plans.

Will a criminal record affect my DACA eligibility?

It can. Certain criminal convictions can disqualify an applicant or put existing DACA status at risk. If you have any criminal history, it is important to review it with an immigration attorney before applying or renewing.

Can DACA lead to permanent residence?

DACA by itself does not create a path to a green card, but some recipients may qualify for other immigration options based on their individual circumstances. An attorney can review your situation and explain whether another form of relief may be available.