Charlotte DACA Attorney

Representing Clients from Across the Globe in Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Cases

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, was initiated in 2012 and allows eligible individuals without lawful immigration status to apply for authorization to live and work in the United States. If approved, the individual receives an employment authorization card valid for two years. So long as the program remains in existence, this authorization is renewable every two years.

*Effective December 7, 2020, USCIS is resuming acceptance of initial DACA applications. Please contact us for immediate eligibility screening.

DACA Eligibility Requirements

• Initial entry into the United States prior to obtaining the age of 16. Departure from the United States and re-entry after the age of 15 does not make you ineligible, so long as each of the other requirements is met. HOWEVER, any departure from the U.S. after August 15, 2012, makes an applicant ineligible.
• Continuous physical presence in the United States since June 15, 2007 (brief absences prior to August 15, 2012, are allowed but are evaluated on a case-by-case basis)
• Physical presence in the United States on June 15, 2012
• Current enrollment in school, high school diploma, or GED. - NOTE: Current enrollment in a GED program fulfills the education requirement. Upon application for renewal, the applicant must show the completion of the program.
• Under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012 - NOTE: Initial applications and renewals after the age of 31 are allowed, so long as the individual was under 31 on June 15, 2012.
• Acceptable criminal record - NOTE: All felony and some misdemeanor convictions (including DWI) render an applicant ineligible.