Orlando DACA Lawyers

Attorneys Assisting With Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals in Orange County, Ocoee, and Casselberry

There are many undocumented immigrants who live in the United States, including a large number of people who came to the country as children and wish to continue living here. These immigrants are commonly referred to as "dreamers" because they would be affected by the proposed Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would grant them the ability to live and work in the U.S. and obtain a Green Card if they meet certain requirements. While this law has not been passed, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has helped some dreamers avoid deportation. To ensure that they can qualify for this program and take the correct steps to stay in the United States, immigrants can speak to an experienced immigration attorney and get legal help with their case.

The lawyers at the Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC understand the difficulties faced by immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. In many cases, dreamers have lived in the United States for the majority of their lives, and being removed from the country would force them to cut ties with their family and community. We are dedicated to helping families address immigration issues and take the proper steps to live together in the United States. With more than 35 years of combined experience, we can help immigrants understand their legal options and ensure that they meet their requirements during the immigration process.

Qualifying for the DACA Program

In 2012, the Obama-Biden administration created the DACA program to provide protection against deportation for undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Immigrants can apply for protection under DACA, and if their application is granted, immigration officials will defer deportation actions for two years. Additional two-year renewals may also be available for those who receive a deferral. While DACA will not provide an immigrant with legal status, a person may apply to receive a work authorization while they are living in the U.S.

To qualify for DACA, a person will need to meet the following requirements:

• They must have entered the United States while they were under the age of 16.
• On June 15, 2012, they must have been under the age of 31, and they must have been in the U.S. illegally, either by entering the country without authorization or remaining in the country after the expiration of a visa.
• They must have lived in the United States continuously since June 15, 2007.
• They must currently be attending school, have graduated from high school or received a GED, or be a veteran of the U.S. armed forces who has been honorably discharged.
• They must not have been convicted of a felony, a major misdemeanor, or three minor misdemeanors, and they must not be a threat to public safety or national security.

Status of the DACA Program

On July 16, 2021, a federal court ruled that the DACA program is unlawful. However, this ruling does not affect those who had already obtained deferred action, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can continue to process requests for DACA renewals. While first-time applications for DACA and accompanying requests for work authorization will be accepted, they cannot currently be processed by USCIS. The Biden administration has stated that it will be appealing this ruling, and further changes may be made to the DACA program in the future.

Contact Our Kissimmee Deportation Defense Attorneys

If you need to address immigration-related issues that may affect you and your family members, our lawyers can help you understand your options. We will work with you to determine whether you qualify for DACA or other protections against deportation and ensure that you take the correct steps to maintain your ability to live in the United States. Contact our office and arrange a free consultation today by calling 407-955-5000. We represent clients in immigration cases in Orlando and other cities in Florida, including Leesburg Bay Lake, Altamonte Springs, Saint Cloud, Winter Park, Ocoee, Winter Springs, Clermont, Daytona Beach, Oviedo, Casselberry, Lake Buena Vista, Lake Mary, Sanford, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Kissimmee, Windermere, Winter Garden, and Apopka.