Marietta DACA Lawyer

The deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) policy presents opportunities for young people brought into the United States at young ages without any documentation. DACA aims to address the issue of thousands of young individuals who were born in other countries, taken to the United States through no choice of their own, and struggle with the inability to obtain jobs and education because of their immigration status.

Although the government offers this opportunity for these individuals, often known as “DREAMers,” taking advantage of the benefits that DACA offers can at times be challenging. If you are experiencing difficulty asserting your rights, contact a Marietta DACA lawyer today. A compassionate family immigration attorney is ready to work with you.

Who Qualifies Under DACA?

The protections that DACA offers only apply to certain individuals, and applicants must reapply every two years to maintain their status. To qualify, a person must:

• Be younger than 31 at the time when the law became effective, on June 15th, 2012
• Be present in the United States on the date when the law became effective
• Have arrived in the United States prior to age 16
• Have lived in the United States continuously, starting no later than June 15th, 2007
• Be in school, have received a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the United States military
• Have never committed a severe crime, including certain significant misdemeanors
• Not pose any security risks to the United States

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services may in their discretion approve a person for deferred action. Qualifying individuals who face standing deportation cases may also qualify under this program. Anyone who believes they might qualify for deferred action should consult with a Marietta DACA attorney.

Benefits from DACA

Qualifying for DACA protections comes with several benefits. For the two years after approval of a DACA application, the recipient may legally work and live within the United States. With legal status, DACA recipients can obtain a driver’s license, go to school, and live free from the fear of deportation. It is also possible to obtain permission to travel outside of the United States and return.

Although DACA does not offer a route to a green card or citizenship, it protects many individuals and provides a way for them to live a more normal life.

Losing DACA Status

DACA recipients are not legal citizens in the United States and it is possible to lose DACA status by committing certain criminal acts. Any felony convictions will prevent a person from qualifying for DACA.

Felonies include state, federal, or local offenses that lead to sentencing of more than one year in prison. Additionally, significant misdemeanors can lead to a revocation of DACA status. Significant misdemeanors include those punishable by more than five days and less than one year in jail.

Some examples of significant misdemeanor crimes include sexual abuse, unlawful possession or use of a firearm, burglary, drug sales, domestic violence, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and any misdemeanors that lead to a jail sentence of greater than 90 days. Individuals who commit three or more non-significant misdemeanors may also lose DACA status. Anyone facing the potential loss of DACA status should consult with an experienced DACA lawyer in Marietta as soon as possible.

Work with a Marietta DACA Attorney Today

If you are a DREAMer facing complications with your immigration status, you should reach out to a legal representative. When it comes to DACA, there is a lot at stake. You should take advantage of the legal protections offered to young people in your situation. To learn more about your rights, speak with a Marietta DACA lawyer today.