The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program gives certain eligible young people living in the U.S. without lawful immigration status the opportunity to remain and legally work here. Although DACA itself does not provide lawful status or a path to citizenship, it can temporarily relieve the fear of imminent deportation, provided a DACA recipient remains on good behavior.
The DACA program can involve significant challenges and complexities, but working with an experienced DACA attorney can make the application process less stressful and give you a better chance at securing the legal relief you need to live peacefully. Before applying for or renewing your DACA status, contact the attorneys at De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration for an initial case evaluation to discuss your legal options with our knowledgeable team.
Understanding what DACA is
DACA allows qualifying individuals to obtain a renewable two-year period of deferred action on deportation and eligibility for work authorization. The Obama Administration established the DACA program to reallocate immigration enforcement efforts away from young people who have spent much of their childhood growing up in the U.S. and represent a “low priority” for deportation due to their good behavior.
To qualify for DACA, applicants must meet various eligibility criteria, including:
- Being unlawfully present in the U.S. after entering the country before their 16th birthday
- Living continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007
- Being born on June 16, 1981, or after
- Being present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, with no lawful status on that date and after
- Being enrolled in school, having completed high school or a GED, or having received an honorable discharge from the U.S. armed forces
- Not having a criminal history that includes felonies, serious misdemeanors, or three-plus misdemeanors
- Not posing a threat to public safety or national security
Individuals who receive DACA status can travel outside the U.S. by submitting a request for advance parole to reenter the country. However, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) only grants travel abroad for individuals on DACA status for educational, employment, or humanitarian (e.g., medical treatment, attending funerals, visiting sick family members, etc.) purposes. DACA recipients may not travel outside the U.S. for leisure.
Obtaining DACA status does not provide permanent lawful status or a pathway to citizenship, and recipients remain ineligible for welfare benefits or student aid.
DACA recipients can apply for renewal every two years if they maintain good behavior, such as by avoiding disqualifying criminal convictions and not posing a threat to public safety or national security.
In 2023, a federal district judge ruled that the regulations promulgated by the Biden administration to codify DACA violated federal law. The judge implemented a stay to preserve DACA status for current recipients and allowed those individuals to apply for status renewals. However, USCIS has paused processing new DACA applications pending resolution of the case in the appellate courts.
Why You Need a DACA Lawyer in Reno, NV
The DACA program has specific requirements, making it essential for residents of Reno to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to assess eligibility. An experienced DACA lawyer can review your case, determine whether you qualify for DACA status, and help you prepare your application with the necessary supporting documentation. A local attorney in Reno can represent you during administrative proceedings, advocating for your interests to minimize stress throughout the process.
In addition, a DACA lawyer can assist you with any challenges that might arise after obtaining deferred action, such as handling approval for travel outside the U.S. or navigating DACA renewals specific to your situation in Nevada.
Choosing the Right DACA Lawyer in Reno
Obtaining or maintaining DACA status will protect your right to live and work in the United States, and finding the right DACA lawyer in Reno is crucial to your application’s success. Key qualities to look for in legal counsel include:
- Extensive experience handling DACA cases, including initial applications and renewals of DACA status
- A compassionate and understanding attitude that acknowledges your needs and concerns
- Responsive communication, including the option to communicate in the language you feel most comfortable with and via methods (email, phone, text message) that you prefer
For decades, immigrants in Reno and beyond have turned to the experienced legal team at De Castroverde Law Group for trusted advice and advocacy because:
- Our attorneys understand the immigrant experience. Our founding attorney, Waldo De Castroverde, came to the U.S. from Cuba as a refugee from the Castro regime, eventually becoming one of Nevada’s first Spanish-speaking lawyers focused on serving the Hispanic and Latino community. Our firm is proud to have attorneys and staff who are fluent in both English and Spanish, enabling us to provide comfortable and accommodating legal services to our clients.
- Our firm has earned recognition for our work for the Latino and Hispanic community, along with rankings in publications and listings such as Best Lawyers in America, Avvo, Super Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell.
- We pride ourselves on offering aggressive, dedicated legal representation. We give every client the individual attention and maximum effort they deserve, and we are committed to doing everything we can to achieve the best possible outcome.
Given the complex and evolving nature of the DACA program, seasoned legal representation is crucial. De Castroverde Law Group has extensive experience guiding clients through DACA applications, petitions, and other immigration-related matters like parole requests, asylum cases, and appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
Contact the DACA Lawyers at De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration Today
If you’re considering applying for the DACA program, need to renew your status, or have questions regarding your rights and options, the Reno immigration lawyers at De Castroverde Law Group Criminal & Immigration are here to assist. Contact our firm for a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable DACA lawyer to explore how we can help you secure or maintain deferred action status.
