DACA Lawyer Boston

Boston DACA Attorneys With Decades Of Immigration Experience

For over 60 years, our immigration lawyers in Boston have guided people through complex immigration labyrinths, working in all spheres of immigration law.

This also includes supporting young immigrants who are seeking to stay in the United States through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Why Choose Our DACA Immigration Lawyers In Boston?

Working on DACA requires more than knowledge of immigration law. You need a compassionate team that can relate to your U.S. story.

Approaching your case with empathy and staying updated on the latest DACA development, we’ll take care of USCIS filings, renewal timelines, and eligibility rules to ensure you keep your legal status.

Boston By The Numbers: DACA

• There are 8,000+ people in Massachusetts with DACA status. 6,300 of them live in the Boston area.
• According to a national survey, 69% of DACA recipients found better-paying employment after receiving DACA status.
• Roughly 19,000 of Massachusetts’ 210,000 undocumented immigrants are eligible for DACA.
• Guatemalans, Brazilians, and El Salvadorans make up the largest DACA-eligible groups by origin in Massachusetts.
• Without DACA, a student at UMass Boston could face an additional $18,588 per year in tuition and fees.

Understanding DACA

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is an immigration policy that protects individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children and don’t have legal status from deportation.

Known as “DREAMers,” DACA holders can apply for work permits that are renewable every two years.

The program doesn’t grant permanent legal residency (a Green Card), but provides stability to live and work in the U.S. while exploring alternative immigration options.

Who Qualifies For DACA In Boston?

To qualify for DACA under the original guidelines, you must meet several key requirements:

• You were under 16 years old when you entered the U.S.
• You were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of your DACA request.
• You have lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
• You were born after June 15, 1981.
• You entered the U.S. without inspection or overstayed a visa before June 15, 2007.
• You are currently in school, have graduated high school, or have earned a GED.
• You have not been convicted of serious crimes.
• You do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Benefits Of Having DACA Status

Although DACA doesn’t provide permanent residency, it gives you critical short-term security:

• You can work in the U.S.
• You have a Social Security number.
• You are eligible to apply for a standard driver’s license.
• You can attend college and apply for certain scholarships.
• You have the right to travel through Advance Parole if approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Our Boston DACA immigration lawyers will guide you on how to maximize these benefits and seek ways for permanent residency if your situation allows that.

Boston DACA Renewal Process

DACA protection is temporary, and you must renew your status every two years. Start the renewal process four to five months before your current DACA status expires so that you don’t lose your work authorization and are protected from removal.

To renew DACA, file:

• Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• The I-765 worksheet
• Supporting documents such as:
  • Passport or national identity document
  • Birth certificate
  • School ID card
  • Travel records
  • Hospital or medical records
  • Rental agreements, utility bills, or bank records
  • Employment records: W-2 forms, pay stubs, etc.

Current Legal Landscape Of DACA

Over the years, there have been multiple attempts to cancel DACA. Currently, its future is uncertain.

What’s the present status?

• USCIS accepts and processes DACA renewal requests and related Employment Authorization applications.
• USCIS continues to accept first-time DACA requests, but those will not be processed at this time due to court restrictions.
• Existing DACA and Employment Authorization Documents remain valid until their expiration date, unless individually terminated.

Our Boston DACA lawyers keep a close eye on updates to share with you the latest information and offer legal advice on your situation.

What To Expect In A DACA Consultation

Here’s what we’ll cover during a DACA consultation:

• Review your immigration and personal history.
• Discuss DACA eligibility or renewal options.
• Evaluate the risks or issues in your case.
• Walk you through each step of the renewal process.
• Share alternative options if DACA isn’t an option for you: Temporary Protected Status (TPS), family-based petitions, asylum or Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), adjustment of status through marriage or employment.