DACA Eligibility: Who Qualifies for Deferred Action?
Who Is Eligible for DACA?
To be eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Age on Entry: You must have entered the U.S. before your 16th birthday.
- Residency: Continuous residence in the U.S. since June 15, 2007 is required.
- Age on June 15, 2012: You must have been under 31 years old on this date.
- Physical Presence: Applicants must have been physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of application submission.
- Legal Status: You must have had no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012.
- Education or Military Status: You must be currently enrolled in school, have graduated, obtained a GED, or been honorably discharged from the military.
What Criminal Record Disqualifies You from DACA?
To be eligible for DACA, you must demonstrate good moral character. This means you cannot have been convicted of:
- A felony.
- A significant misdemeanor (such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, or drug-related offenses).
- Three or more other misdemeanors.
- You must also not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
What Documents Are Needed for DACA Eligibility?
To prove your eligibility, you’ll need to submit several supporting documents:
- Proof of identity: This may include your passport, birth certificate, or any other identification documents.
- Proof of entry: This may be visa stamps, school records, or travel records showing you entered the U.S. before your 16th birthday.
- Proof of continuous residence: This can include rental agreements, utility bills, bank statements, or medical records.
- Educational documents: School transcripts, diplomas, or GED certificates prove your current or past enrollment in educational institutions.
- Certified translations: If any of your documents are in a foreign language, you must provide certified translations.
These documents must be accurately translated and submitted in line with USCIS requirements. Using professional services like Translations Certified ensures your documents are accepted without delays.
Age Requirements for DACA Applicants
DACA applicants must meet certain age requirements:
- Be at least 15 years old at the time of application (unless in removal proceedings).
- Be under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012.
How to Maintain DACA Eligibility
Maintaining DACA status requires keeping a clean criminal record, staying in school (or showing that you are working toward completing education), and applying for renewals every two years. DACA recipients must reapply before their deferred action expires to continue receiving protection.
Can DACA Recipients Apply for Legal Permanent Residency?
DACA does not directly provide a path to a green card or citizenship. However, there may be pathways to legal permanent residency depending on individual circumstances, such as through family-based petitions or marriage to a U.S. citizen.
How Can Translations Certified Help with Your DACA Application?
Many DACA applicants need to submit documents like birth certificates, school transcripts, or military records from their home country. At Translations Certified, we ensure your documents meet USCIS’s strict translation requirements. Our certified translations help your DACA application proceed without unnecessary delays or issues.
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. While we strive to ensure that the information is accurate and current, it is not a substitute for professional legal counsel. Please consult with a qualified attorney for advice regarding your specific situation or legal questions.