At the Law Office Of Patricia M. Machado, P.C., we are dedicated to assisting immigrant youth in Queens and throughout New York. Our mission is to support undocumented immigrants in their pursuit of legal status and citizenship in the United States. Our experienced team can help you determine if you qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and guide you through the entire application process.
Call (212) 568-4550 or send us a message online to schedule a consultation with a Queens DACA attorney and get started on your case. Se habla Español.
About DACA And Eligibility Requirements
The DACA program was established by the Obama administration in 2012 to provide temporary relief to young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. This program allows eligible individuals to receive a two-year work permit, which can be renewed, and temporary protection from deportation.
To be eligible for DACA, you must meet the following criteria:
- Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Arrived in the United States before the age of 16;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007;
- Are currently in school, have graduated, or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
While DACA doesn’t grant legal status or a direct path to citizenship, it does offer temporary protection from deportation and allows recipients to work legally in the U.S.
Am I Eligible For DACA Renewal?
Yes, if you have previously received DACA, you can renew your status if you meet the following conditions:
- You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- You arrived in the United States before the age of 16;
- You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007;
- Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
- You are currently in school, have graduated, or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved; and
- You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
How Long Does DACA Approval Take?
DACA approval timeframes generally range from 4 to 7 months. However, depending on various factors, it’s possible for the process to take even longer in certain cases.
How Can an Immigration Attorney Assist with My DACA Application?
Navigating the DACA application process can be daunting. Even when you meet the eligibility criteria, small mistakes or missed details can cause delays or denials. To ensure your application is accurate and complete, it’s beneficial to work with a skilled immigration attorney. At Law Office Of Patricia M. Machado, P.C., we guide you through every stage of your DACA application, offering personalized legal assistance to help you avoid common pitfalls.
We can assist you with every step of the application process, including the following:
- Evaluating your eligibility for DACA: We will carefully examine your case to see if you fulfill all DACA eligibility requirements. If not, we can assist you in looking into alternative possibilities for your work permission and legal status.
- Preparing your application: We will prepare your DACA application packet, fill out all the paperwork, and obtain the relevant supporting documentation. Additionally, we’ll make sure your application is submitted to the appropriate USCIS service center and that you have paid the appropriate filing fees.
- Responding to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs): We can assist you in responding to any requests for further information or supporting material made by USCIS regarding your application. We can also assist you in responding to a Notice of Intent to Deny, which is an official notification from USCIS indicating that your DACA application is going to be denied.
- Handling all communications with USCIS: Our team will engage with USCIS on your behalf and notify you of any updates or modifications to your DACA application. This includes informing you in the event that USCIS sets up an interview or needs extra information or supporting documents from you.
- Preparing you for your DACA interview: We can assist you in getting ready for the interview, should USCIS set one up for your DACA application. We will go over questions you can expect and appropriate ways to answer them. We will represent your interests at the interview and go with you.
- Handling any appeals: We can assist you in filing an appeal if USCIS rejects your DACA application. We will examine the denial notice, ascertain the reason for the refusal of your application, and decide on the next course of action. We can assist you in looking into alternative relief possibilities if filing an appeal is not in your best interests.
Dedicated Legal Support for Immigrant Youth in Queens
At our firm, our Queens DACA attorneys are passionate about supporting immigrant youth across the city and beyond. We offer tailored legal strategies to meet your unique needs and ensure you receive the focused, one-on-one attention your case deserves. With us, you can feel confident that your DACA application is being handled by a team that truly cares about your future.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us online or call(212) 568-4550 to connect with a Queens DACA lawyer for assistance. Our services are available in English and Spanish!
