Los Angeles DACA Lawyer: Helping Dreamers Stay Protected
Need help with DACA? Our Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals lawyers can help you apply for the first time or file a renewal application, walking you through every step with care and experience.
Why Hire A DACA Immigration Lawyer In Los Angeles?
Ongoing legal changes and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updates can make the DACA process overwhelming if you are handling everything alone.
A knowledgeable and compassionate immigration lawyer in Los Angeles can help you confirm whether you’re eligible for DACA, file your petition, and explore long-term immigration options beyond the program.
DACA Trends In Los Angeles
- The Los Angeles metro area has the largest population of DACA recipients in the United States: 80,000+ people with DACA live in the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim area.
- About 198,800 people live in households with DACA recipients in this region.
DACA Explained
DACA is an immigration policy that protects certain undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children from being deported.
These people are known as Dreamers, the name coming from the DREAM Act, a legislative proposal designed to protect young immigrants in the United States.
The Importance Of DACA Status
If you are approved for DACA, you get temporary protection from deportation and can apply for a two-year work permit. While DACA does not offer a direct path to a Green Card or citizenship, it allows you to:
- Live and work legally in the U.S.
- Obtain a Social Security number.
- Get a state ID or driver’s license.
- Qualify for certain scholarships or in-state college tuition.
Who Qualifies For DACA In Los Angeles?
To be eligible for DACA, you must meet several key requirements:
- You were born after June 15, 1981.
- You came to the U.S. before turning 16 years old.
- You’ve lived continuously in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
- You were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012.
- You’re currently in school, graduated, or earned a GED.
- You have not been convicted of certain crimes or pose a national security risk.
Are you unsure whether you qualify? Our DACA lawyer in Los Angeles can review your situation and help you understand your options.
Current Legal Status Of The DACA Program
The USCIS still accepts first-time DACA requests but they are not being processed following a federal court order.
USCIS continues accepting renewal applications, which helps Dreamers maintain their status and keep their work authorizations valid.
DACA is tied to ongoing lawsuits, and its future remains uncertain. We’ll help you stay on top of the changes, as they can directly affect your right to remain in the United States.
Our DACA lawyers in Los Angeles monitor every court ruling and policy shift so you don’t miss crucial deadlines or changes in eligibility.
DACA Renewal Process In Los Angeles
If you miss your DACA renewal, you could lose your job and your protection from deportation. That’s why renewing on time is so important.
Make sure you start the renewal process 120–150 days before your DACA status expires.
The process includes filing a few key documents: Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and the I-765 Worksheet.
You must also include proof of residence or school enrollment such as transcripts, utility bills, or a copy of your ID.
How A DACA Consultation Works In Los Angeles
Thinking about working with a DACA attorney but unsure what happens in a consultation? We’ll guide you through the process.
We’ll take time to understand your journey, review your history in detail, and make sure you’re not missing any paperwork.
Then we’ll prepare you for a USCIS interview and reply to any pending requests for evidence from the USCIS.
If DACA doesn’t work for you, we’ll explore alternative legal paths for keeping your legal status.
Legal Help With DACA Renewals and Applications in Los Angeles
If you live in Los Angeles and need help applying for or renewing DACA, our attorneys can help you file the needed documents and represent you before USCIS. We ensure that every application is complete, timely, and backed by legal strategy tailored to your case.
Los Angeles DACA Attorneys: FAQs
Can I Apply For A Green Card Or Citizenship With DACA Status?
No. DACA does not provide a direct path to a Green Card or citizenship. It only serves as temporary protection that allows you to live and work in the United States.
How Long Does DACA Last?
Each approval extends your DACA status by two years. Before expiration, you must file renewal applications to keep your status valid.
Why Do I Need To File DACA Renewal Applications?
Renewal applications extend your work permit and protection from deportation for another two years.
When Should I File For DACA Renewal?
You should file your renewal four to five months before your current DACA expires.
What Documents Do I Need To Renew My DACA?
You must file Form I-821D, Form I-765, and the I-765 Worksheet. You must also include supporting evidence.
Can I Apply For DACA For The First Time Now?
At the moment, USCIS accepts initial applications but does not process or approve them due to ongoing litigation.
Can I Travel Outside The United States If I Have DACA Status?
Yes, but you’ll need to request Advance Parole first. That’s official travel permission from USCIS. We can help with the application.
Does DACA Protect Me From Deportation?
Yes, as long as you have valid DACA status, you are protected from deportation.
What Happens If My DACA Expires?
If you fail to renew your DACA on time, you’ll lose your right to work in the U.S. and may face deportation.
Can My Family Benefit From My DACA?
No. DACA applies only to the applicants who were brought to the United States as children. It does not extend to family members.
Can I Apply For DACA If I Have A Criminal Record?
It depends on the type of crime. If you were involved in a felony or significant misdemeanor, you may be ineligible to seek protection under DACA.
How Much Does It Cost To Apply For DACA In Los Angeles?
The USCIS filing fee for Form I-821D is $85. The fee for I-765 is $520 for paper applications and $470 if you’re filing online.
How Long Does It Take To Get DACA Approval?
Renewals usually take several months, depending on USCIS processing times.
Can I Be Denied DACA After I Had It Before?
Yes, unfortunately. If something’s changed in your record – for example you get a criminal charge or you no longer meet the guidelines – USCIS may deny your renewal. That’s where our attorneys at Spar & Bernstein can help.
Does DACA Give Me A Social Security Number?
Yes. With DACA, you can apply for a Social Security number and use it for work and taxes.
Can I Apply For DACA If I Entered The US Recently?
No. You must have continuously lived in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, to qualify.
Can I Apply For A Green Card With DACA?
You can apply for a Green Card only if you qualify through another immigration path such as marriage to a U.S. citizen or employment sponsorship.
Do I Need A Lawyer To Apply For DACA In Los Angeles?
It’s not required, but working with a Los Angeles DACA lawyer can reduce mistakes and help protect your rights.
Can I Join The Military If I Have A DACA Status?
Currently, DACA recipients are not eligible to enlist in the U.S. military.
Can I Buy A Home If I Have DACA?
Yes. With a Social Security number and work authorization, you may qualify for a mortgage.
Can I Get A Driver’s License With DACA In Los Angeles?
Absolutely. With DACA, you can apply for a state ID or driver’s license in California and most states.
Can USCIS Take Away My DACA Status After It Is Approved?
Yes. USCIS can terminate your DACA if you commit crimes or no longer meet eligibility.
Can I Go To College With DACA In Los Angeles?
Yes. Many colleges accept DACA recipients. Check if you qualify for in-state tuition or a scholarship.
What Can I Do If My DACA Renewal Is Denied?
Let our team at Spar & Bernstein take a close look at your situation and see what your next legal options may be.
Can I File A DACA Application Online?
No. Currently, DACA online filing is not available. You must mail your application to the correct USCIS address.
Can I Switch From DACA To Another Immigration Status?
Yes. If you qualify for another immigration option, like marriage-based residency or employment sponsorship, you may adjust your status.
Can DACA Be Taken Away If Laws Change?
Yes. Because DACA is not a law but a policy, it can be ended by courts or government changes. An experienced immigration lawyer will help you stay on top of these changes and explore alternative options for remaining in the United States.
Bradford H. Bernstein, a second-generation leader at Law Offices of Spar & Bernstein, P.C., has helped over 100,000 clients with immigration and personal injury issues. Brad joined the firm in 1993, became a partner in 1997, and assumed leadership in 2000 after Harry Spar retired.
View Brad's Bio