Dreamers (DACA) Attorney In Ontario, California
What Is DACA?
If you entered the United States without authorization before turning 16, you may have heard about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This program has gone through significant legal changes in recent years, and its availability continues to be affected by court rulings. When DACA is available, it does not provide a green card, but it may allow qualifying individuals to remain in the U.S. temporarily and apply for work authorization and permission to study.
Even when DACA options are limited or unavailable, other immigration pathways may exist. Many individuals who initially look to DACA later discover they may qualify for different forms of relief or more permanent immigration benefits, depending on their personal and family circumstances.
Cierra Wilson, an immigration attorney based in Ontario, California, works directly with individuals who entered the U.S. as children to review their history and explore all possible options under current immigration law. She helps clients understand where they stand and identify potential paths forward. Contact her office to discuss your situation and learn what options may be available to you.
Call Law Office of Cierra Esq. at 888-364-4444 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
If the July 16 Ruling Is Struck Down, Do I Qualify for DACA Benefits?
In addition to entering the United States before the age of 16, individuals seeking DACA must meet several other requirements. These include arriving in the U.S. on or before June 15, 2007, maintaining continuous residence since that date, and being under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012, without lawful status at that time. Applicants must also meet certain education or service criteria, such as currently being in school, having earned a GED or high school diploma, or having been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard.
Criminal history is also a key factor. Individuals with felony convictions, serious misdemeanors, or multiple lesser misdemeanors may not qualify, particularly if they are considered a risk to public safety or national security.
Regardless of ongoing legal challenges affecting DACA, other immigration options may be available and, in some cases, may offer more lasting benefits. Cierra Wilson, an immigration attorney based in Ontario, California, works directly with individuals to review their background and explore all possible options under current immigration law. Scheduling a consultation can help you better understand your situation and identify potential paths forward.
What Are the Alternatives?
Legal setbacks can be discouraging, but they do not always mean the end of the road. Even when programs like DACA face uncertainty, other immigration options may still be available depending on your circumstances.
For example, some individuals with DACA may qualify for more permanent benefits. If you hold valid DACA status and are granted advance parole, you may be able to travel outside the United States and return through a lawful entry. In certain situations, that lawful entry can open the door to applying for lawful permanent residence if you later marry a U.S. citizen or have a U.S. citizen child who is at least 21 years old.
If you are a DACA recipient who originally entered the U.S. lawfully and later married a U.S. citizen, you may be able to apply for a green card from within the United States. Even if your original entry was without authorization, options such as a provisional waiver may still be available. When approved, this can allow you to attend a consular interview abroad and return to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident, provided all requirements are met.
Because immigration laws and policies continue to change, it is important to review your situation carefully and stay informed about available options. Cierra Wilson works directly with Dreamers and their families to explore potential paths forward and help them take advantage of opportunities that may apply to their cases. Scheduling a consultation can help you understand what options may be available to you.