Supreme Court announces it will hear argument in Texas v. United States

Today the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would hear oral argument in Texas v. United States, the lawsuit challenging the President’s expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the new initiative Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA). Millions of undocumented immigrants may be affected by the Court’s decision in this case which would allow them to move one step closer to the lawful status that only comprehensive immigration reform can provide.

Although the President’s expansion is being challenged in the courts, the existing DACA program is still an option for first-time and renewal applicants.

You may request DACA if you:

1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
5. Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor,or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

You may request a renewal if you met the initial 2012 DACA guidelines and you:

1. Did not depart the United States on or after Aug. 15, 2012, without advance parole;
2. Have continuously resided in the United States since you submitted your most recent DACA request that was approved; and
3. Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Please contact the experienced attorneys at Fears Nachawati Law Firm for a consultation on applying for DACA or renewing your existing DACA.