Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is designed to provide protection from deportation to undocumented individuals who enter the country at the age of 16 or younger. If approved, DACA individuals can apply for a two-year work permit and a driver’s license, in most states. However, there are few considerations DACA applicants should be aware of:

• DACA is not the same as the DREAM Act and does not provide a pathway to citizenship for children
• Applying for DACA may expose you to possible deportation, especially if you do not retain the services of an attorney

If you have questions about DACA or would like to see if this may apply to you, please contact Toro Law today. It is our goal to help you find the best way to legally reside in the United States, which could be through DACA. The last thing we want is for you to get deported because of applying for DACA when you were not eligible. Our bilingual attorneys are here to help you and ensure no step is overlooked. We offer immigration services to individuals and families through Illinois and Texas. Please give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you.

To be eligible to apply for DACA, you must meet the following requirements:

• You were 16 or under the age of 16 when you came to the United States
• You were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012
• You have continuously resided in the U.S. from June 15, 2007, to present day
• You entered the U.S. without inspection prior to June 15, 2012
• You had legal immigration status, but it expired prior to June 15, 2012
• You physically resided in the U.S. on June 15, 2012
• You are physically present in the U.S. while applying for DACA
• You are currently in school in the U.S., have graduated from high school, obtained your GED, or were honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces or Coast Guard
• You have never been convicted of a felony, a serious misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors
• You have never been convicted of a felony, a serious misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors

If you believe you meet the above eligibility requirements, or if you would like to discuss the particulars of your case with an experienced lawyer, please contact Toro Law today. To apply for DACA, you must be at least 15 years of age. It is important to keep in mind that while DACA does offer temporary relief, it does not come without its risks. Being an immigrant in the United States is extremely difficult right now, and our attorneys are here to help in any way we can. We understand how stressful it is to learn you may be at risk of deportation, which is why we are dedicated to representing and supporting immigrants throughout Illinois and Texas. To learn more about DACA, or to see if you are eligible, contact experienced DACA attorney Moises Briseño and Associates at Toro Law immediately to schedule a consultation to discuss your case.