Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) & Special Programs

At the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C., we understand how important the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is to thousands of young immigrants who have built their lives in the United States. Our office provides experienced legal guidance to individuals seeking DACA renewals, evaluating DACA eligibility, and exploring additional immigration options that may lead to more permanent immigration status.

Because DACA continues to be the subject of ongoing federal litigation and changing government policies, it is essential to obtain current legal advice before filing any application. Our experienced legal team stays informed of the latest developments affecting DACA recipients and individuals who may qualify for other forms of immigration relief.

Understanding DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal immigration policy that provides certain eligible individuals who came to the United States as children with temporary protection from removal and eligibility to apply for employment authorization.

DACA does not provide lawful permanent resident status, U.S. citizenship, or lawful immigration status. However, for many recipients, it provides important temporary protection while they explore other immigration options that may become available under current law.

Current Status of DACA

Due to ongoing federal court litigation, the legal status of DACA continues to evolve. USCIS currently accepts both initial and renewal DACA requests; however, court orders have limited USCIS's ability to approve most initial DACA requests. Renewal requests generally continue to be processed for eligible recipients, subject to current law and court decisions.

Because the legal landscape can change, applicants should consult with an experienced immigration attorney before filing or making decisions regarding their immigration status.

General Eligibility Requirements

Although eligibility is governed by federal law and USCIS policy, DACA applicants generally must demonstrate that they:

• Were under 31 years of age on June 15, 2012.
• Arrived in the United States before reaching 16 years of age.
• Continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007.
• Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time the initial request was filed.
• Had no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012.
• Meet applicable educational or military service requirements.
• Have not been convicted of disqualifying criminal offenses and do not otherwise present a public safety or national security concern.

Because every immigration history is different, our office carefully evaluates each client's eligibility before recommending any filing.

Why DACA Matters

For many recipients, DACA provides opportunities to work legally in the United States, pursue higher education, obtain driver's licenses where permitted by state law, and contribute to their communities while remaining protected from removal during the period of deferred action.

Although DACA remains temporary, many recipients may become eligible for permanent immigration benefits through family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, humanitarian relief, or other provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Our office evaluates every client's long-term immigration options rather than focusing solely on DACA.

How the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C. Can Help

Our experienced immigration legal team provides:

DACA Renewal Representation: Preparation and filing of renewal requests with careful review of eligibility and supporting documentation.

Eligibility Evaluations: Individualized assessment of your immigration history and any issues that may affect eligibility.

Comprehensive Immigration Planning: Evaluation of family-based petitions, Adjustment of Status, employment-based immigration, humanitarian relief, waivers, and other pathways that may provide more permanent immigration benefits.

Guidance Through Changing Immigration Policies: Because DACA remains subject to ongoing litigation and policy changes, we provide current legal advice based on the latest developments affecting the program.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

If you currently have DACA, are considering renewing your deferred action, or would like to determine whether another immigration option may be available, contact the Law Offices of Cindy Ramjattan-Paul, P.C. today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Our experienced legal team is committed to helping DACA recipients understand their rights, maintain available immigration benefits, and pursue every lawful opportunity to build a secure future in the United States.