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Immigration Scams to Look Out for When Applying for DACA

Immigration Scams to Look Out for When Applying for DACA

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Atlanta, GA—The DACA application process can be confusing for some which is why many often seek legal assistance so they don’t have to go through it alone. While there are plenty of reputable immigration attorneys available to assist a person who is looking to apply for DACA such as those at Kuck | Baxter Immigration, many are deterred from hiring a licensed lawyer after being convinced by individuals (i.e. notaries) who are unauthorized to practice law that they can help them at a lower cost.

 

How to Avoid an Immigration Scam When Applying for DACA

 

Immigration scammers have grown rather creative with the methods they use to deceive individuals who are simply looking for help with obtaining an immigration benefit. They might send an enticing email or call an individual who was recently looking online for legal help and offer services at a much lower cost than what a person would pay if they were to hire a licensed Atlanta, GA immigration attorney.

Unfortunately, because these individuals, often referred to as a notarios, aren’t licensed to provide legal advice or help, they will take a person’s money and fail to provide them with the services they thought they were paying for. So, if an individual in Atlanta is looking to apply for DACA or submit a renewal application, they are encouraged to take the following tips into consideration to avoid falling victim to a scammer.

 

  1. Avoid accepting help from someone who says they are a notario, notario público, or notary public, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These individuals are not attorneys and are not qualified to provide legal advice or legal services.

 

  1. Steer clear of those who require a fee for blank government forms. If an individual says they charge a fee for immigration forms, this should serve as a red flag as the forms themselves are free.

 

  1. Avoid signing forms before filling them out. Individuals should never sign a blank form. Instead, they should wait until after they have filled them out completely to sign them. The FTC also says they shouldn’t sign anything they don’t understand.

 

There are many individuals today who are looking to collect money without providing services or gain access to a person’s personal information to use it to their benefit. These individuals, often referred to as scammers, should be avoided at all costs. If someone wants to apply for DACA but has legal questions or concerns, they should contact an immigration law firm in Atlanta that is qualified to provide them with the assistance they are seeking.

Kuck | Baxter Immigration is one firm that has been helping individuals for years and can be reached at 404-816-8611.

 

Kuck | Baxter Immigration can be reached at:

 

365 Northridge Road, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30350

Phone: 404-816-8611

Website: www.immigration.net

Is there a way to appeal USCIS’s decision on a DACA application?

Is there a way to appeal USCIS’s decision on a DACA application?

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Atlanta, GA—Generally, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not give individuals the option to file a motion for reconsideration or request an appeal if the agency denied their request for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). However, USCIS will allow an individual to get a Service Request created if they believe they met all the eligibility criteria to qualify for DACA benefits and was denied because of one of the following reasons:

  • They were denied due to abandonment although they did respond to USCIS’ Request for Evidence (RFE) to an Intent to Deny (NOID).
  • The RFE or NOID was sent to the wrong address even though the individual had provided USCIS with their current address.
  • USCIS believes they did not arrive in the U.S before their 16th birthday despite the evidence they submitted that shows they did.
  • USCIS alleged they were under the age of 15 at the time they filed their application but were not in removal proceedings when the evidence they submitted proves otherwise.
  • They were allegedly 31 years of age or older as of June 15, 2012, even though they were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
  • USCIS claimed they had lawful status on June 15, 2012, but according to the evidence that was submitted, they were considered unlawful.
  • They were denied because they were not physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, up until the date of their filing even though they submitted evidence that proves they were.
  • They were denied because one or more filing fees were not satisfied.

 

To review the additional grounds for which USCIS will allow an individual to get a Service Request created, click here.

 

How can an Atlanta, GA immigration attorney help with a denied DACA application?

 

If an individual was notified that their DACA application was denied or their renewal request was not approved, they can contact an Atlanta, GA immigration lawyer for legal advice. Whether an individual’s application was denied for one of the reasons listed above or another, they are encouraged to consult with an immigration attorney who can confirm or deny if they can get a Service Request created.

In the event an individual’s DACA application has been denied and there is no way to get the decision reversed, an Atlanta, GA immigration attorney can determine if there are other immigration benefits they qualify for and assist them with applying for them.

To speak with an Atlanta immigration lawyer regarding a denied DACA application or to get an immigration-related question answered by a skilled attorney, contact Kuck | Baxter Immigration at 404-816-8611.

 

Kuck | Baxter Immigration can be reached at:

 

365 Northridge Road, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30350

Phone: 404-816-8611

Website: www.immigration.net

How long does it take USCIS to process a DACA application?

Atlanta, Georgia, What documents can help prove that an individual meets the guidelines to be considered for DACA?

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With U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) now required to accept first-time requests and renewals forConsideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), individuals who meet the eligibility criteria may be preparing to get their forms filled out and filed with the agency. When an individual applies for DACA, USCIS requires that they submit certain documentation that shows they meet the program’s guidelines. The documentation that needs to be submitted does vary by application type and those who are submitting a renewal request are not required to re-submit documents that were submitted when they initially applied.

Below is an outline of the documentation USCIS will accept for DACA applicants.

 

First-Time DACA Applicants

 

  • Evidence that they arrived in the U.S. before their 16th birthday. Some examples include employment records, medical records, school records, etc.
  • Proof of identity. Examples include a passport, birth certificate with photo identification, etc.
  • Evidence that shows they have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present date.Examples include passport entries, dated bank transactions, automobile registration, etc.
  • Evidence that shows they were present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012. This might include rent receipts, utility bills, hospital or medical records, school records, etc.
  • Proof they had no lawful status on June 15, 2012. Examples include Form I-94, I-94W, or I-95 Arrival/Departure Record, a charging document that placed them into removal proceedings, etc.
  • Proof they are attending school, graduated from school, or received their General Education Development (GED) certificate. Some examples include a U.S. GED certificate, U.S. high school diploma, etc.

 

DACA Renewal Requests

 

If an individual is submitting a renewal request for DACA, they are only required to submit “any new documents pertaining to removal proceedings or criminal history that [they] have not already submitted to USCIS [Source: USCIS]. If USCIS needs additional information, they will contact the applicant and request that he/she submits the information needed to process their request.

 

Kuck | Baxter Immigration Can Help an Individual Fill Out and File Their DACA Forms

 

If an individual is considering applying for DACA and they live in Atlanta, they should only do so when they have an experienced Atlanta, GA immigration lawyer available to help them. Immigration forms can sometimes be confusing and to ensure an applicant doesn’t make a mistake that could potentially cause their request to be denied, they should have a lawyer assist them with the entire application process.

The window to apply for DACA could close if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decides request relief from the recent order that was issued by a U.S. District Court, therefore, if anyone is looking to submit a request for DACA, they are encouraged to contact Kuck | Baxter Immigration for help.

 

Kuck | Baxter Immigration can be reached at:

 

365 Northridge Road, Suite 300

Atlanta, GA 30350

Phone: 404-816-8611

Website: www.immigration.net