Revisiting DACA.

Let’s take a fresh look at DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals).  The controversy continues to permeate our lives here in America and the state of Maryland.  Our state has over twenty-five thousand DACA-eligible residents and you can be sure that every one of them and their loved ones are uncertain about their future in this country.

This acronym refers to young immigrants who were brought to the United States to live here “illegally” for two years to pursue work authorization without risk of deportation.  IF they met program requirements, that is.  President Obama created DACA in 2012 through an executive action.  There are over 800,000 “Dreamers” nationwide.

Over the last year, the climate has changed and now these youngsters find themselves on the endangered species list.  I am attorney Briana Arnold and I may be the “Dreamers” best friend in the Baltimore area.  I am a Maryland immigration lawyer who will sort it out for you and your family.  Please give me a call at (410) 484-1400.

Okay, Congress DACA is in Your Court.

The administration is ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the White House made it very clear that it wants a legislative solution from Congress to protect the roughly 800,000 “DREAMERS” who came to the U.S. illegally as children and now could face the possibility of deportation.

According to the National Immigration Law Center, the Dream Act of 2017 has many of the same protections in place as DACA does and also creates a path for citizenship or permanent legal resident status if applicants meet certain requirements. DACA did not provide such a path.  There are certain qualifications for permanent status in the Dream Act.

Decisions regarding your future or that of one your loved ones in America are fluid.  What will 2018 hold for “Dreamers”?  Someone who can help you sort it out is Baltimore County immigration attorney Briana Arnold.  She will help dreamers throughout the Baltimore area get a clearer picture of the ever-changing situation.  Please call her at (410) 484-1400.

Understanding United States vs. Texas

Our office receives calls every week from undocumented individuals who want to apply for Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) or extended Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provide illegal immigrants and undocumented individuals with legal work authorization.  Unfortunately, these two initiatives announced by the Obama administration in November 2014 were stopped before they even started. Before USCIS began accepting applications in February 2015, a federal court order suspended these programs.

The United States Supreme Court agreed to review the case in January 2016 in the case of United States v. Texas. The passing of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will likely change the outcome of this case.

Until the injunction is lifted, USCIS will not begin accepting application for DAPA or extended DACA.  However, you might still be eligible to apply for, or renew the original DACA program that was announced in 2012. Contact Baltimore immigration attorney Briana Arnold to learn more information about this ongoing case and your eligibility to apply for DACA.

WARNING:  Do not take advice about your immigration case from a notario or an immigration consultant. Contact only a qualified immigration lawyer for legal advice about your case.

Call Briana Arnold today at (410) 484-1400.