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What are DACA recipients entitled to?

What are DACA recipients entitled to?

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Atlanta, GA—Individuals who are interested in applying for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or recently had their DACA application approved might be wondering what benefits they are entitled to. The most important, of course, is protection from deportation. The DACA program was designed to protect individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children from being entered into removal proceedings for a certain period of time.

The DACA program was established on June 15, 2012, and although it has received some scrutiny from lawmakers, it is currently in full effect.

 

Things DACA Recipients Are Entitled To

 

In addition to being protected from being deported for two years at a time, DACA recipients might also be eligible to receive the following benefits:

  • Obtain a work permit. When an individual applies for DACA, they are also required to submit Form I-765 as well as I-765 Worksheet. If USCIS determines that an individual qualifies for DACA, they will usually provide them with an EAD, or an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). An EAD allows an individual to legally work in the U.S.
  • Apply for renewal. As mentioned, DACA recipients are granted protection for two years at a time. If they maintain good status and continue to qualify for this benefit, they can submit a DACA renewal request so that they can continue to live and work in the U.S.
  • Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). With a valid SSN, individuals can apply for credit cards, file taxes, etc.
  • Obtain a driver’s license. Being able to drive is a big plus for many individuals who need to get around, whether it is to go to school or work. Between having a job, SSN, and a driver’s license a DACA recipient may be able to get a vehicle in their own name and build their credit.

 

Things the DACA Program Doesn’t Do

 

While it certainly helps an individual to be granted DACA status so that they are able to live and work in the U.S. without having to worry about being deported, there are certain benefits DACA recipients are not eligible to receive. As a DACA recipient, an individual will not be:

  • Considered as having lawful status.
  • Entitled to receive certain types of government benefits such as food stamps.

 

Get Help With Applying for DACA in Atlanta, GA

 

If an individual is considering applying for DACA or is ready to start the application process, the Atlanta, GA immigration attorneys at Kuck | Baxter Immigration are prepared to help. The attorneys at this firm will first check to be sure the individual meets all of USCIS’S eligibility requirements and then help them get their forms filled out and filed.

In addition, the lawyers at Kuck | Baxter Immigration will also help an applicant identify what forms of documentation they need to prove they qualify for DACA benefits. For those who are interested in applying for DACA or have questions they can’t find a clear answer to, they are encouraged to contact Kuck | Baxter Immigration 404-816-8611 to schedule an initial consultation.

 

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?

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

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Atlanta, GA—After an individual submits their Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) application, it can take time for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to get it processed. This is because it takes time for USCIS to actually receive the application, get it processed through their system, and get it reviewed by the agency.

USCIS does say that the agency generally tries to get DACA renewal requests processed within 120 days after receiving them, therefore, the timeline may be the same or a bit longer for first-time DACA applications.

 

Is there any way to speed up the DACA application process?

 

There are certain factors that can help speed up the DACA application process and it involves retaining an Atlanta immigration lawyer. When an individual is applying for DACA, USCIS requires that they not only submit Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, Form I-765, and I-765 Worksheet, but they generally are also required to submit certain types of documentation that prove they qualify for DACA.

Because applicants don’t always know what forms of documentation they need to submit, they often miss one or two things which slows down USCIS from processing their application. Therefore, if an individual wants to reduce the chances of this happening and having their application delayed, they can retain an Atlanta, GA immigration attorney who will help them gather all the forms/evidence they need to submit the first time around.

 

Can DACA applications be expedited?

 

USCIS does not expedite DACA applications, and therefore, if an individual is informed by a company or person that they can help them get their application processed much quicker by going through them, it is likely a scam. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who pose as reputable companies who claim they can help vulnerable individuals get their DACA applications processed quicker and cheaper.

Because USCIS is the only government agency that is responsible for accepting and processing DACA applications, individuals should only be applying through this agency and they should only rely on an Atlanta, GA immigration lawyer to help them with the application process.

 

How can a DACA applicant check on the status of their case?

 

After an individual applies for DACA, they can check the status of their case by using the Case Status Online tool or by logging into their USCIS online account. USCIS does process cases in the order in which they are received, therefore, the more individuals that are applying for DACA, the longer it could take the agency to get their application processed.

 

What if USCIS is taking a long time to process a DACA application?

 

If an individual is finding that their DACA application is taking longer than expected to get processed, they can contact USCIS or even Kuck | Baxter Immigration for help. The Atlanta immigration attorneys at Kuck | Baxter Immigration dedicate themselves to helping individuals obtain the immigration benefits they are entitled to by helping them with applying and addressing any issues that arise.

To schedule a time to speak with an immigration lawyer at Kuck | Baxter Immigration to discuss questions or concerns regarding DACA, call 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

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