Some people experiencing persecution or hardship in their countries of origin have to make difficult decisions. They may attempt to enter the United States without documentation to flee the threats against their safety or access better opportunities. In many cases, those making such drastic changes do so because they want to offer more opportunities to their children.
Their children may not have any choice regarding how they enter the United States. As such, the United States recognizes that sometimes children without immigration documentation require special consideration. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program helps protect the most vulnerable immigrants who may not have had any say in their immigration process.
Also sometimes known as Dreamers, DACA recipients have protection from removal from the United States. However, the future of DACA protections is uncertain as immigration policies shift rapidly. There are roughly 580,000 current DACA recipients, many of whom may be worried about their status. How can DACA recipients be proactive about protecting their status?
Keeping paperwork up to date
Qualified DACA recipients have typically been in the United States for at least five years and are at least 15 years of age. Those who qualify for DACA must file renewal paperwork at least 120 days before their current status expires.
DACA recipients can renew their status by submitting the right paperwork and the appropriate fee to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Avoiding a lapse in legal protection can reduce personal vulnerability.
Seek a green card
There are ways for DACA recipients to qualify as permanent residents. They can potentially use employment, educational endeavors or even relationships to qualify for green cards.
Individuals who become permanent residents have different protections than those extended DACA protections. They have less reason to worry about removal from the United States so long as they keep their green card up to date and avoid major criminal convictions.
Eventually, permanent residents can pursue naturalization and become citizens. Citizenship can be beneficial for DACA recipients, as it may help them support their parents for immigration opportunities as well. Green card holders and DACA recipients typically cannot help their parents obtain green cards or visas.
The legal immigration opportunities extended to DACA recipients differ depending on individual circumstances. Reviewing personal history at length with an immigration attorney may help DACA recipients optimize their protection.