Houston DACA Lawyer
DREAM Act/Deferred Action Lawyer Ready to Assist You
"Dream" Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an order issued by President Obama on June 15, 2012, that created a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) process for deferring action against people who came to the U.S. as children. DACA was not passed as legislation, but it includes portions of the famous DREAM Act.
On August 15, 2012, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) started accepting I-821D form applications for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which offers the following benefits:
- Deferred action on deportation and removal proceedings for two years
- Permission to work in the U.S. for certain undocumented workers
- Other privileges may apply, such as qualifying for a driver's license
- Granting of a Social Security card
- Eligibility for obtaining a state driver's license
It is critical to work with a DACA attorney in Houston to fully understand your legal options and those of your children. If you apply on your own and your application is denied, you have no right to appeal your case. You have one shot, so you must do it right the first time.
Working with The Law Office of Mana Yegani, you will receive comprehensive guidance on every step of the DACA process. Our team assists with collecting necessary evidence, preparing forms, and ensuring that all aspects of your application meet USCIS standards. This tailored approach helps reduce risks associated with denials that could significantly impact your status and future opportunities in the U.S. Connect with a DACA attorney in Houston as soon as possible.
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Contact our Houston DREAM Act lawyer from The Law Office of Mana Yegani to understand the DACA application, your rights, and your privileges. Call (832) 981-2170 or contact us online for an appointment. Se habla Español.
Are You Eligible for DACA?
Evidence of your presence in the U.S., a birth certificate, school records, and any military service records are a few of the requirements for the application.
Criteria for Deferred Action Eligibility:
- Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Entered the U.S. before the 16th birthday
- Resided in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007, up to the present
- Physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of application
- Entered the U.S. without inspection before June 15, 2012, or had lawful immigration status that expired as of June 15, 2012
- Currently enrolled in school, graduated, obtained a certificate of high school completion, obtained a GED, or were honorably discharged from the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces
- Not convicted of a felony, a "significant misdemeanor," or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety
Determining your eligibility for DACA is crucial and may require navigating complex documentation and legal procedures. Our Houston DACA lawyer can help assess your situation by analyzing your legal documents and personal history to confirm alignment with DACA requirements. Additionally, we offer strategic advice on compiling supplementary records that might strengthen your application, ensuring all facets of the process are addressed from the start to avoid potential obstacles.
When we meet with you at our Houston office, we review the timeline of your entry to the United States, your school history in Texas, and any contact you may have had with immigration or law enforcement. We then compare this information against the current USCIS instructions to determine if there are any gaps that need to be addressed with additional evidence or legal argument. By taking the time to prepare this analysis before filing, we help you decide whether now is the right moment to file or if you should first resolve other issues that could affect your DACA request.
Many people who qualify for DACA have questions about how their status interacts with other immigration options, such as family petitions or future residency applications. We explain how DACA fits into your long-term plans so you can make informed choices instead of treating the application as an isolated step. For some clients in Southeast Texas, coordinating the timing of a DACA filing with other pending or potential applications is an important part of protecting their ability to remain in the country while they pursue more permanent solutions.
About the DACA Application
The DACA application itself consists of three forms (I-821D, I-765, I-765WS), and applicants must pass a background check. If you have a juvenile criminal record or other criminal convictions, you should consult with a deferred action lawyer in Houston.
Completing the DACA application requires meticulous attention to detail. Each form serves a specific purpose: I-821D focuses on deferred action consideration, I-765 is for employment authorization, and I-765WS evaluates your economic need to work. Our team guides you through these forms and any supplementary materials required, checking for accuracy and completeness. In the case of those with criminal backgrounds, we provide informed legal insights into potential mitigating strategies that might influence USCIS's decision favorably.
Do Not Work With Notarios
DHS processes tens of thousands of DACA applications each month, and Texas receives the second most requests, only after California. Many applications undergo delays, and some are rejected. Do not fall for the fraud of dishonest legal advisors, infamously known as "notarios." Notarios are not lawyers. Do not let your case get denied or delayed. Hire an immigration lawyer near you who has experience in deferred action cases.
In this field, relying on verified legal professionals for reliable advice is essential. Notarios often misrepresent their capabilities, leading to costly errors for applicants. Choosing a certified DACA lawyer in Houston ensures that your application is not only accurately prepared but is also presented by someone familiar with current immigration policies. This protects your interests and increases your chances of achieving a favorable outcome in legal proceedings.
When you work with a licensed attorney, you also have access to professional obligations and ethical rules that do not apply to notarios. Our firm maintains written agreements, keeps your information confidential, and provides honest assessments about risks instead of making promises just to collect a fee. If we identify issues that make a DACA filing unsafe, we explain those concerns clearly so you can avoid steps that could expose you or your family to unnecessary attention from immigration authorities.
We have met many clients in Houston who came to us only after a notario submitted incorrect forms or gave advice that damaged their case. In those situations, our first task is often to try to correct the record and reduce the harm that has already been done. Meeting with an attorney at the beginning of the process can help you avoid these expensive and stressful mistakes and give you a better foundation if future immigration options become available.
DACA Application Fee
If you file online, it costs $555 to apply for DACA. Filing via paper or mail is $605. This applies to new applications and renewals. USCIS will accept money orders, cashier's checks, and personal checks made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." Do not use any abbreviations. Fee exemptions are available to those who are eligible; otherwise, fee assistance may be available in your area.
The financial aspect of applying for DACA can be a concern for many applicants. It is important to explore available financial assistance programs, which might help reduce the initial burden. Additionally, understanding the nuances of fee exemptions and waivers can be beneficial. Our Houston office regularly updates clients on new developments in funding opportunities that could assist in managing application costs. We also provide support in assembling necessary documentation to show eligibility for fee waivers, encouraging accessibility to the DACA program.
Collaborating With Local Institutions for DACA Support in Houston
Partnerships with local institutions can play a pivotal role in supporting DACA recipients. Local colleges and universities often offer dedicated support services for DACA students, including counseling, academic advising, and legal assistance workshops to help them navigate the complexities of their immigration status.
Local government initiatives occasionally provide platforms for dialogue and policy development, which focus on broadening the scope of opportunities available to DACA recipients. Participating in these discussions can lead to more inclusive policies that support educational and career advancement, giving recipients a chance to make meaningful contributions to Houston's growth.
DACA Renewal Process and Timelines
For many people in Houston, renewal is the most frequent interaction they have with the DACA program, and missing a deadline can have serious consequences. Renewal filings generally follow the same basic structure as an initial request, but they require up-to-date evidence of your continued presence in the United States and your ongoing educational or employment activities. We help you map out the months leading up to your expiration date so you know when to gather records, when to schedule an appointment with a Houston DACA attorney on our team, and when to submit your paperwork to reduce the risk of any gap in work authorization.
Because USCIS processing times can change, we pay close attention to current trends and recent experiences from DACA recipients in Texas. If cases handled through the service center that processes applications from the Houston area are taking longer than usual, we will discuss this with you so you can plan for possible delays. During this period, we remain available to answer questions about receipt notices, biometrics appointments at local facilities, and any follow-up requests for evidence that might arrive before a decision is made.
Our team keeps a detailed internal checklist for each client so that important dates, such as the opening of the renewal window and your current expiration date, do not get overlooked. This organized approach is especially helpful for students at local institutions and workers with demanding schedules around Harris County who may not have time to track every detail on their own. By partnering with us early in the renewal cycle, you give yourself the best chance to avoid last-minute stress and maintain stability at school, work, and home.
For dedicated legal assistance, connect with our qualified Houston DACA attorney at The Law Office of Mana Yegani. Dial (832) 981-2170 or use our online form to arrange your consultation right away.
Frequently Asked Questions About DACA
What Is the Impact of DACA on Employment Opportunities?
DACA provides work authorization that allows eligible immigrants in Texas to legally work, obtain better job opportunities, and contribute to the economy without fear of immediate deportation. It helps recipients pursue careers aligned with their education in fields like healthcare, education, and technology. Employers can hire them legally with valid permits. A DACA attorney in Houston can help applicants understand eligibility, renewals, and employment documentation to maintain uninterrupted work authorization.
Why Is It Important to Renew DACA on Time?
Timely DACA renewal is essential in Texas to maintain protection from deportation and uninterrupted work authorization. If renewal is missed or delayed, individuals may lose their ability to work legally and face immigration consequences. USCIS recommends filing within the 120–150-day window before expiration. A DACA lawyer in Houston can help ensure accurate, timely filing and reduce the risk of gaps in status or employment authorization.
Can DACA Recipients Travel Outside the US?
DACA recipients in Texas may only travel outside the U.S. with Advance Parole, which must be approved before departure and is limited to specific reasons like humanitarian, educational, or employment purposes. Improper travel can jeopardize reentry. A Houston DACA lawyer can help prepare the Advance Parole application, ensure proper documentation, and reduce the risk of issues when returning through U.S. ports of entry.
How Does DACA Affect Access to Education?
DACA can improve access to higher education in Texas by allowing students to qualify for in-state tuition at some institutions and apply for certain scholarships and financial aid programs. It also provides stability through work authorization, helping students support themselves while studying. A DACA attorney in Houston can assist students in understanding eligibility, school-based benefits, and maintaining compliance while pursuing academic goals.
What Should I Do If My DACA Application Is Denied?
If a DACA application is denied in Texas, it is important to review the denial notice carefully to understand the reason and determine the next steps. Options may include refilling with corrected information or exploring other immigration relief. Acting quickly is important to avoid further complications. A DACA lawyer in Houston can evaluate the case, identify errors, and help develop a strategy to address eligibility issues or alternative legal pathways.
Our DACA lawyer in Houston handles a host of immigration matters. Call (832) 981-2170 to learn more. We speak English and Spanish!
