DuPage County DACA Attorney

Immigration Attorneys Representing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Cases in Illinois

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a program that was initiated in June of 2012 to defer deportation/removal proceedings for qualifying undocumented immigrants. To be eligible, you must have come to the United States as a minor, and you must meet several other requirements. If you are an undocumented immigrant who came to the U.S. when you were young, and you believe you may qualify for DACA, it is important to speak with a skilled immigration lawyer who can review your case and advise you of your rights and options.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we have several decades of combined experience assisting clients with all types of immigration issues, including family-based visas, student visas, employment-based visas, temporary visas, naturalization, and asylum. Our award-winning lawyers regularly represent clients in Chicagoland and throughout Northern Illinois in matters involving U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). We have in-depth knowledge of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, how it is interpreted by government agencies, and what it takes to secure a positive outcome in your case.

We have been recognized by our peers not only for our skill and experience, but also for our client-centered approach. Our attorneys are honest, compassionate, straightforward, and down to earth. We understand the stress undocumented immigrants often go through when they may potentially face deportation, and we believe that you deserve to have a strong voice aggressively advocating for your rights. Whether through qualifying for DACA or other means, we will put our experience to work to identify any and all potential paths to securing legal status in the United States.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Requirements

To qualify for DACA, you must meet the following general requirements:

• Have entered the U.S. before your 16^th birthday;
• Have been under age 31 as of June 15, 2012;
• Have been physically present in the United States as of June 15, 2012 and at the time of filing your DACA request;
• Have lived in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007 until the date you applied for deferred action;
• Have entered the U.S. without inspection before June 15, 2012 or had your legal status expire as of June 15, 2012;
• Be in school presently or have graduated from high school, obtained a GED, or been honorably discharged from any branch of the U.S. Military; and
• Have no criminal convictions for felonies, multiple misdemeanors, or significant misdemeanors and do not pose any threat to national security or public safety.

DACA allows qualified applicants to receive a two-year deferral from deportation/removal proceedings. Qualified applicants may also apply for work permits and driver's licenses so they can gain legal employment and driving privileges. At the end of the two-year deferral period, your DACA status can be renewed as long as you continue to meet the requirements.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a program that has helped countless undocumented immigrants come out of the shadows and obtain temporary legal immigration status. However, it is important to understand that DACA is an executive action initiated by the President, rather than a law passed by Congress. This means it could be altered, expanded, or even done away with by future executive actions or court rulings. As of July 16, 2021, a decision by a federal judge has prohibited USCIS from granting deferrals for any new DACA applications. However, those who and applied for DACA and received a deferral before that date may continue to apply for DACA renewals.

Contact Our Bloomingdale DACA Attorneys

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we help our clients successfully navigate the complexities of immigration law. We remain continually up-to-date on changes to DACA and all other executive and legislative actions that impact our immigrant population. If you believe you or a family member may qualify for DACA, contact our office today at 630-932-9100 to arrange a free consultation with one of our skilled Illinois immigration attorneys.