In the first two years of DACA enforcement, about 673,417 young people applied for the benefit of which the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved 553,197.  The program created a bridge for them to exploit many economic, social and educational opportunities in the United States.  In the process, the country also immensely benefitted from their energies, creativity and fiscal and other contributions.  The new expanded November 2014 DACA is largely built on the success of the initial DACA, and expected to witness an even greater increase in the number of applications and approvals, and consequent economic, social and educational opportunities and successes.

Swaray Law Office

There are still a large number of DACA eligible beneficiaries who are, because of fear or lack of credibility in the program or for other reasons, reluctant to take advantage of the opportunities.  To these immigrants, and immigrants that have become eligible because of the expansion of the program, Swaray Law Office urges you not to be afraid.  Though not an absolute solution, DACA is real, has many opportunities, can and has saved many from deportation, and will help you to realize your American Dream.

Here are the main benefits of the relief:

1.  Legalize your immigration status

The current DACA will help you come out of your illegal status, and afford you two years of legal status.  The new DACA has expanded the legal status to three years.

2.  Afford you the opportunity to travel out of the United States and be able to come back in

Under an advance parole, for which you need to apply and be approved by the USCIS, you will be able to travel out of the United States and come back in.  But you must comply with the strict travel conditions, and if you have been ordered deported, excluded or removed from the United States, you must first reopen your case to get an administrative closure before your departure from the country.  The travel must also be for a very specific, imperative reason, such as one that is emergency based, work related, research motivated or humanitarian, and the like.

3.  Will give you a work permit

The DACA grant will give you the opportunity to work for income in the entire United States.  The work permit is valid for the DACA lifespan.

4.  Will make you social security number eligible

Under the DACA status, you can apply for and successfully get a social security number.

5.  Drivers license

You can also get a drivers license in many states in the country.  Some of the states that currently give drivers licenses to DACA beneficiaries are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Michigan, etc.

6.  Healthcare coverage

DACA beneficiaries are not eligible for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act.  But they are eligible for health care benefits offered to low income individuals in some states.

7.  Financial Aid eligibility

DACA beneficiaries are not eligible for federal student aid, but eligible for financial aid in some states in the form of grants, scholarships and private loans.

8.  Home and other asset purchase eligibility

A DACA beneficiary can purchase a home, car or other assets, but may not qualify for some kind of loans because of the DACA status in which case a United States citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident can agree to share the financial responsibility of repaying the loan in case the DACA beneficiary defaults.

9.  Permanent Legalization

DACA is not a pathway to permanent residency or US citizenship.  But it could be if a DACA beneficiary leaves the United States and re-enters the country under an advance parole after he is inspected and admitted by an immigration officer.  Based on this admission, he could later apply for a Green Card if he becomes eligible to do so through a qualifying relative or through employment.

10.  Can make you credit worthy

A DACA beneficiary can apply for a credit card and engage in other economic activities upon which he can build a credit history and become credit worthy.

DACA is a big step towards your juicy American Dream.  So take advantage of it!

This blog is by an attorney at Swaray Law Office which is located in Brooklyn Center in Minnesota. Brooklyn Center is close to Brooklyn Park, Crystal, Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Blaine, Maplegrove and Fridley.  It is not a legal advice.  If you need help with your DACA petition, please contact the office at swarayassociates@cs.com or 763-549-0670.