Protecting The Rights Of Dreamers
One of the most recent changes in U.S. immigration policy has caused a lot of excitement — and, understandably, confusion and even skepticism.
Ever since the Obama administration announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in 2012, immigrant communities throughout the United States have been wondering what it means for them and their children who are undocumented. Because DACA offers a very specific and limited set of protections, it is important to know what DACA can offer and what it does not.
DACA offers protection and work authorization for Dreamers – individuals who were brought to the U.S. from their birth countries at a young age.
Experienced Immigration Lawyers Helping People In Colorado Apply For DACA
As someone who has lived most of his or her life in the United States, you or your child is an American in every way possible — except under the eyes of the law. DACA can give you or your child some important additional security as you go about your lives here in the U.S.
First, it is important to remember that DACA does not grant legal status to someone, nor does it create a new path to lawful status or citizenship. What DACA does is establish that an applicant is a lowest priority case for immigration agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP). In a nutshell, DACA is the government acknowledging that someone is a low risk, and that the government will allow that person to live his or her life without fear of being imminently deported.
Learn If You Or Your Child Qualifies For DACA
Currently, the government will only accept DACA renewal applications, not initial applications. The U.S. Supreme Court is also considering whether the Trump Administration may end DACA altogether. DACA is the subject of ongoing litigation in several courts. And the outcome is unpredictable. We urge all U.S. citizens to contact their congress and request they vote for protections for Dreamers.
If you have questions about DACA, contact us for a consultation with one of our Longmont and Aurora DACA attorneys. Call 303-417-6370 or email us.