Dallas DACA Lawyers
For many young people brought to the United States as children, DACA has meant the ability to work, drive, study, and live without the constant fear of removal. Protecting that status, and understanding what comes next, is worth doing carefully. At Escoto Law, DACA is personal: our attorney Maria Bravo-Escoto is herself a former DACA recipient who built her own path through the system before becoming a lawyer and a CPA. When we say we understand what you are going through, we mean it. We work in English and Spanish. Hablamos Español.
Who qualifies
DACA eligibility is based on your age, your arrival, and your history. In general, it has applied to people who:
- Came to the United States before their 16th birthday
- Arrived before June 2007 and were under 31 as of June 2012
- Have continuously resided in the U.S. since arriving
- Were in school, had graduated or earned a GED, or were honorably discharged from the military
- Have no disqualifying criminal record
Every case is fact-specific, and small details in your history can matter. We review your record carefully before anything is filed.
Renewals: file early and do not let it lapse
DACA and the work permit run in two-year periods and must be renewed. The single most important thing you can do is file your renewal early, USCIS recommends well before your current period expires, so your protection and your work authorization do not lapse. A gap can cost you your job and your status. We track your dates and prepare renewals so they are filed on time and correctly.
The program’s status, and planning beyond DACA
DACA has been the subject of ongoing litigation for years, and the rules, especially for first-time applicants, have shifted and may change again. We stay current on where the program stands and will tell you exactly what is available for your situation right now, rather than a generic answer that may be out of date.
Just as important, we look past DACA. For some recipients, there are paths to more permanent status, through marriage or family, through advance parole and adjustment, or through other relief. We evaluate whether any of those doors are open for you, because DACA is protection, not a destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I file my DACA renewal?
Early. USCIS recommends filing well ahead of your expiration date so there is no gap in your protection or your work permit. A lapse can cost you your job. We calendar your dates and prepare the renewal so it is filed on time.
Can I get a work permit with DACA?
Yes. DACA recipients are eligible for a work permit (Employment Authorization Document), which also allows most people to get a Social Security number and, in Texas, a driver license.
Can I travel outside the U.S. with DACA?
Only with advance parole, permission granted in advance for specific reasons. Do not leave the country without it, doing so can end your ability to return. Talk to us before making any travel plans.
Is DACA a path to a green card?
Not by itself. But some DACA recipients qualify for permanent status through other means, such as marriage, family petitions, or advance parole and adjustment. We evaluate whether any of those options apply to you.
What is the current status of the DACA program?
DACA has been shaped by ongoing court cases, and the rules can change, particularly for first-time applicants. We stay current and will explain exactly what is available for your situation at the time you come in.
Do you offer services in Spanish?
Yes. We serve clients fully in English and Spanish. Hablamos Español.