San Bernardino DACA Lawyer

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program for individuals who come to the United States as youth and meet certain guidelines. Under such legal protections, they can request a deferred action for removal, and they may be able to qualify for work authorization. However, it can be difficult to understand the applicable legislation and how it applies to your case. By working with a San Bernardino DACA lawyer from U.S. Law Center, you can obtain the protections you deserve under the law.

U.S. Law Center has collective decades of experience representing foreign nationals located in San Bernardino and surrounding areas. We’ve tackled hundreds of cases related to humanitarian-based matters, such as those concerning DACA. Our attorneys can help you understand whether deferred action applies to your case, how to apply for it, and other immigration options you may have to reach your goals in San Bernardino.

What Is DACA?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals was brought forward by the Obama administration in 2012. It temporarily prevents people who were brought to the United States as children from being deported or removed. However, its status has changed numerous times.

Undocumented migrants who apply for protections under DACA are otherwise known as “Dreamers.” Under DACA, those who are eligible can also apply for work authorization, which allows them to obtain meaningful legal employment during their stay. As of 2022, the DACA Final Rule was published, which changed the prior rules and regulations, creating confusion for Dreamers who were receiving protections under the law.

Despite all of the protections that DACA offers those who were brought to the US when they were young, DACA has gone through numerous state and legal battles, affecting Californians’ ability to apply for DACA and renewal. As of September 13, 2023, DACA was ruled unlawful by a federal judge in the Southern District of Texas.

Due to the judge’s order, it is not possible to administer first-time applications as of April 2024. However, renewals for DACA are continuing to be processed. A DACA lawyer from U.S. Law Center can help you understand your rights and benefits under DACA and apply for renewal.

How to Apply for DACA Renewal in San Bernardino, CA

As of April 2024, USCIS is not accepting DACA renewal applications from individuals who have had their DACA status expired for a period of longer than one year. Renewals after this time limit will be treated like new applications, which cannot be processed.

While an attorney can assist you with filing a late renewal application, it will not be able to be approved due to the current judge’s order. Therefore, it is encouraged to apply for renewal between 120 and 150 days before your DACA expires.

A dedicated DACA lawyer from U.S. Law Center can help you renew your DACA as soon as possible, meeting critical deadlines so that you continue to receive protections in San Bernardino, California.

We can help you file all of the required paperwork and supporting evidence needed for USCIS, keeping you updated about your application status and any changes along the way. By working with us, you can be sure that your existing rights are continued under DACA, with options to explore further immigration protections and pathways that could benefit you.

FAQs

Q: Can I Apply for DACA for the First Time in 2024?

A: Due to a court injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on July 16, 2021, which was then affirmed by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and later extended by the district court on Oct. 14, 2022, it is not possible to have initial DACA requests granted as of April 2024. Under this injunction, the United States Customs and Immigration Services, or USCIS, is also not able to issue subsequent work authorizations.

Q: What Are the Qualifications for DACA?

A: The qualifications associated with being granted DACA status are complex and comprehensive, including:

• Being born on or after June 16, 1981
• Having come to the US prior to reaching the age of 16
• Having continuously resided in the US since the date of June 15, 2007, up to the time of applying for DACA
• Being physically present in the US on the date of June 15, 2012, and when filing the DACA request with USCIS.

To understand whether you qualify for DACA, it is critical to work with a lawyer.

Q: How Much Does a DACA Immigration Lawyer Cost?

A: The cost of hiring a DACA immigration lawyer is dependent on various factors, including the location and reputation of the law firm, the experience the lawyer has with cases similar to yours, the complexity and nature of your case, and the specific services you require.

It’s important to work with an immigration lawyer who is transparent about their pricing throughout the entire process. Some humanitarian organizations may offer free or reduced-cost legal representation, but wait times are often much longer.

Q: What Legal Documents Do I Need to Apply for DACA?

A: In order to apply for DACA, you will be required to submit extensive documentation that shows you meet the associated requirements. This includes proof of identity, proof that you entered the United States prior to turning 16, proof of your immigration status, proof that you were present in the country on June 15, 2012, proof that you continued to reside in the US since June 15, 2007, and until your date of application, proof of student status, and more.

Clarify Your Rights Under DACA With an Experienced San Bernardino Lawyer

In order to understand all of the documentation required for your specific case, as well as the steps you can take to initiate the application process, it’s recommended to work with a skilled and knowledgeable DACA lawyer from U.S. Law Center.

We are here to help you understand how current laws, court rulings, and legislation may impact your case as a dreamer, as well as explore other legal protections that may be available to you. Get in contact with a dedicated attorney from our team today to start discussing your DACA case.