DACA

DACA Attorney in San Francisco

Are You Seeking Deferred Action?

If you were brought to the U.S. as a child without immigration documentation, you may qualify for deferred action and protection against deportation. This is possible under the Obama-era policy known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or “DACA.” Although the Trump Administration ended DACA in 2017, a federal court reinstated the program in late 2020. It is now supported by the Biden Administration.

This means that if you qualify for DACA and are living in the U.S. without documentation, you can continue to live and work without fear of leaving the only home you’ve ever known. Our attorney at The Law Office of Zhang can provide the professional legal guidance and services you need to protect your status and ensure the immigration system treats you fairly.

For more information about our services, please contact our DACA attorney in San Francisco to arrange a consultation. During this confidential meeting, we’ll assess your situation and offer ways in which The Law Office of Zhang may be able to help you pursue protection under DACA.

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DACA Eligibility Requirements

Obtaining deferred action means that you can live and work in the U.S. without fear of being placed in removal proceedings. DACA provides this unique protection for people living in the U.S. without documentation as a result of being illegally brought into the country or overstaying on a visa as minors.

Qualifying for DACA depends on meeting the following requirements:

  • You came to the U.S. when you were younger than 16 years old.
  • You were not inspected by customs when you arrived in the U.S.
  • On June 15, 2012, you were younger than 31 years old.
  • On June 15, 2012, you were physically within the U.S.
  • You are currently in the U.S. and will be when you apply for deferred action.
  • You are currently a student, have graduated high school, earned a GED, or were honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. military.
  • You have never been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor. You were convicted of fewer than three less serious misdemeanors. You are not a threat to national security or public safety.

Should the criteria above apply to you, you may be a viable candidate for deferred action under DACA. Before beginning this process, however, always consult with a lawyer like our DACA attorney in San Francisco at The Law Office of Zhang. We can help you through this sensitive process to ensure your rights are protected at all times.

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Will Applying for DACA Reveal My Immigration Status?

Yes. When you apply for deferred action, you are letting the U.S. government know that you wish to alter your immigration status. A necessary part of this process is informing authorities of your undocumented presence in the U.S.

Never apply for deferred action or confront immigration officials without legal representation. Without an attorney helping you through this process, your application could be denied on an avoidable technicality. As a result, you could be arrested and eventually deported.

Will I Be Able to Work after Getting Deferred Action?

Maybe. You must demonstrate an economic need to work when you apply for DACA. If successful, you can be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. This can be an important way to protect your livelihood and pursue a fulfilling career in the U.S.

Does DACA Come with a Green Card?

No. Receiving deferred action merely protects certain undocumented people from facing removal for lacking documentation. DACA does not provide a Green Card or otherwise confer permanent lawful residence. Similarly, there is no established path toward citizenship under DACA.

Because of this, living in the U.S. under DACA can feel like living in a bit of a legal gray area: Although you don’t have a legal immigration status, you are protected against deportation for that reason.

How Long Does Deferred Action Last?

Once conferred, deferred action lasts for two years. Timely renewals are required to maintain deferred action and should be applied for at least several months before the current period ends.

How Can a DACA Attorney in San Francisco Help Me?

If you are seeking deferred action, going through the DACA application process can be a bit frustrating and intimidating. By hiring an attorney, this professional can minimize these aspects of applying for DACA while ensuring that you are treated fairly and lawfully by immigration authorities.

For more information about how The Law Office of Zhang can help you protect your life in the U.S., schedule a consultation with us by contacting our offices online

The Law Office Of Zhang Is The Right Choice for All your immigration needs

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