Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in NJ
In 2012, the Obama Administration established a program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This program provides temporary protection from deportation and eligibility for work permits to certain undocumented individuals who came to the United States as children. If you wish to apply for DACA benefits in New Jersey, an immigration lawyer can help.
What Is Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program that allows certain people who meet the requirements to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal after the initial period ends. These individuals are also eligible to request authorization to work in the U.S. during this time.
While DACA does not provide lawful citizenship status, it does allow the individual to avoid deportation and other removal actions for a period of time. This enables the individual to remain in the country and continue working while applying for citizenship status.
DACA Laws Are Constantly Changing
Recently, U.S. district courts determined the DACA policy to be illegal. However, anyone who obtained DACA on or before July 16, 2021 is still protected. These individuals can continue to renew their DACA and work authorization requests. In addition, people who did not obtain DACA by this date can still file for it. However, the Department of Homeland Security cannot grant DACA or work authorization requests at this time.
The Biden Administration announced a new action on June 18, 2024 to help keep immigrant families together. The new process helps noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence status without having to leave the country. To be eligible, noncitizens must have lived in the U.S. for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen. Eligible individuals can apply for this process beginning on August 19, 2024.
How to Apply for DACA as a New Jersey Family
If you wish to apply for DACA benefits, check to see if you meet the eligibility criteria. Individuals who are eligible to request consideration for DACA must be born on or after June 16, 1981, and they must have come to the U.S. before turning 16. The applicant must have maintained a continuous residence in the country since June 15, 2007. The applicant must meet other legal requirements, as well.
If you or your child meets the eligibility requirements for DACA, you can submit your request by filling out the forms and providing all requested documentation to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in your location. You must also include payment for the fee with your filing ($555 for online filings and $605 for paper filings). The necessary documents can include a passport, birth certificate, national identity document, and school or military ID.
How a Skilled Immigration Lawyer in New Jersey Can Help You
The rules surrounding Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals are constantly changing, and the process for seeking benefits can be long and complicated. The best way to navigate a DACA request in New Jersey is to hire a skilled immigration attorney in New Jersey to represent you. An attorney can handle complicated forms and requests for information for you.
Hiring a lawyer improves your chances of achieving a positive outcome for your immigration case or DACA application. If you wish to schedule a free consultation with an attorney in New Jersey, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Hasson, P.C. at (201) 928-0300.