Beaverton DACA Attorneys Helping Community Members Avoid Deportation
Undocumented immigrants provide many benefits to the United States, and President Obama recognized that fact when he created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, called DACA. Although the program provides legal protection to many people who came to the U.S. as children, taking advantage of the program is complicated. Vanderwall Immigration is proud to serve the immigrant community in Beaverton. We have the experience you need to seek protection under DACA, and we offer a consultation so you can discuss any concerns that you have. Reach out today to speak with a Beaverton DACA attorney at our law firm.
Why DACA?
Under U.S. immigration law, anyone in the country without permission is subject to deportation. Many children were brought to the United States by their parents but have lived and studied here. They do not have proper documentation and, thus, are vulnerable to deportation.
To provide protection against deportation, President Obama adopted the DACA policy. Congress could pass legislation to address the plight of childhood arrivals, but it has chosen not to do so. Thus, DACA remains the best option for undocumented who were brought to the United States as children.
What is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a protection against deportation. It is not an immigrant status. Essentially, if you receive DACA protection, the government will not deport you. You can also seek permission to work and study while in the U.S.
DACA is good for a two-year period. During this time, you can seek a work permit and receive other benefits without fear of deportation.
Since its inception, almost a million people have received DACA protection. The program continues to be the source of controversy, and the Trump Administration unsuccessfully tried to repeal it. As of 2024, DACA continues to exist.
Do You Qualify for DACA?
As the name suggests, DACA is intended to benefit those who arrived in the United States as children. Most children followed their parents into the United States without permission. For this reason, these childhood arrivals remain undocumented even though they may be adults at this point.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) set the following eligibility criteria for anyone seeking DACA protection:
- You arrived in the United States before you were 16 years of age.
- You have continuously lived in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present.
- You must have been physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and when you submit your application.
- You should not have any felony or serious misdemeanor offenses on your criminal record, nor a series of minor misdemeanors. Contact our firm to discuss if you have any criminal history.
- You must be either currently enrolled in school or have graduated with a diploma or GED, or you must be honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or U.S. Armed Forces.
- You must undergo a background check and provide biographic data and information to USCIS.
These are not easy requirements to meet. Many people in the community have questions about DACA. For example, you might not be sure you have continuously lived inside the U.S. Reach out to Vanderwall Immigration today so we can dig into the facts of your case.
Should You Request DACA Protection?
This is an individualized choice. We encourage people to think about their alternatives. For example, you might return to your “home” country and seek an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa instead. Everything depends on your goals and present circumstances.
Remember, DACA is not an immigration status. It simply protects you from deportation during your two-year period, while providing the opportunity to legally work and study inside the United States. DACA does not give you the right to adjust your status to obtain a green card. If that is your goal, you should meet with an experienced Beaverton DACA attorney at our law firm to discuss whether to even seek DACA protection.
Renewing Your DACA Status
DACA recipients can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they will not be deported. However, as mentioned above, DACA is not permanent. You will need to maintain your status to avoid deportation, which means you must renew DACA in a timely fashion.
USCIS has set up a renewal process for DACA recipients. Typically, you should have your renewal application submitted 120-145 days before your DACA rights are set to expire. This gives USCIS time to process your renewal before your status expires. Once DACA rights expire, you could end up in deportation proceedings.
Applying for DACA Protection
There are many pieces to an application:
- Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
- Form I-765WS (Form I-765 Worksheet)
A completed application also includes supporting evidence, such as proof of your age, educational or military status, and presence in the United States.
Applicants should work closely with a lawyer, if necessary, to address questions/concerns and review whether they have completed their application fully. Any mistake on the application could be a hassle to correct. You also do not want to misrepresent any critical facts, which could result in a denial and other repercussions. Our firm is happy to help you.
Fighting a Termination or Non-Renewal
Each year, thousands of people successfully renew DACA. Renewal is necessary because DACA provides only temporary protection. Anyone who fails to renew will be eligible for deportation.
Some people are denied renewal. For example, you might not have submitted all the required supporting documents. You should review your rejection notice from USCIS. It might be possible to fix the flagged issues and then resubmit.
Some DACA recipients are denied renewal because they left the United States without advance parole. As mentioned before, DACA is not a legal status that allows you to come and go. Anyone seeking to leave the US must submit Form I-131, Application for Travel Document along with a required fee and documentation.
Contact Vanderwall Immigration immediately if your DACA renewal is denied. We can review legal options, which are probably limited.
We Are Experienced Immigration Advocates
Vanderwall Immigration has seen DACA transform lives. Many of our clients have managed to earn educational credentials and start families while protected from the threat of deportation. If you are looking for an immigration attorney in Beaverton, look no further.
The legal team at Vanderwall Immigration has a detailed knowledge of all immigration law, which continuously evolves. DACA has been the target of multiple political attacks—but it is still standing. Our firm can help anyone seeking DACA protection or looking to renew.
We bring to every case:
- An appreciation for clear communication with the immigrant community, which empowers you to make sensible decisions.
- Detailed knowledge of immigration law. We can answer any question you have.
- Compassion and the ability to listen. Every immigrant story is different. We want to understand the unique issues you are dealing with.
- Confidentiality. We are ethically obligated to keep our clients’ confidence and not speak to anyone without your permission.
Few Beaverton firms can match our experience with immigration law. We are always happy to meet with anyone needing legal services.
Connect with a Beaverton DACA Attorney at Our Firm
Vanderwall Immigration stands at the front lines protecting immigrants and their families in Oregon. If you have a question about DACA, or if you know you need legal assistance, please reach out. Someone at our office will be in touch to discuss DACA or any other immigration issue. We can help you apply or deal with an issue involved with the renewal of your status.
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I highly recommend Vanderwall immigration. They are very professional and care about their clients. They stayed on top of things to make sure my case ran smoothly. Always communicated with me and kept me informed on my case. I am very happy with their services.
Nevaeh Buen
I had the best experience with Vanderwall immigration. Today I'm a USA citizen and my husband is finally home and a legal resident. Everything was perfect, no delays, no errors. Paula always made sure everything was done exact and precise and she always made this process smooth and stress free. We are very pleased and grateful and recommend their services to everyone.
Karla
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