Jacksonville Dreamers (DACA) Attorney Serving Clients Nationwide
Helping Dreamers Protect the Life They Have Built
For many Dreamers, the United States is more than the country where they live—it is the place where they grew up, attended school, built careers, formed relationships, and established their lives. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has provided certain individuals who came to the United States as children with temporary protection from removal and the ability to request employment authorization.
At Bilbao Law, LLC, we understand how important that protection can be. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, and serving immigration clients nationwide, we help individuals understand DACA, navigate renewal-related matters, and evaluate whether other immigration options may be available based on their circumstances.
DACA was established in 2012 as an exercise of prosecutorial discretion for certain individuals who arrived in the United States as children and met specific guidelines. DACA does not provide lawful immigration status, permanent residence, or citizenship. Instead, a grant of DACA generally provides a temporary period of deferred action during which the federal government exercises discretion not to pursue removal, subject to applicable requirements and policies. Individuals granted DACA may also request employment authorization.
For recipients, maintaining DACA can affect the ability to work, support family, pursue educational and professional opportunities, and continue building a future in the United States. At the same time, the program has faced significant legal challenges and policy changes. Its status has been the subject of ongoing federal litigation, making it particularly important for Dreamers to understand current requirements before taking action.
Our firm helps clients evaluate their circumstances carefully rather than relying on outdated information or assuming that rules that applied in the past remain unchanged today.
Call Bilbao Law, LLC at 904-300-0825 to schedule a consultation with a lawyer today.
Understanding DACA Eligibility, Renewals, and Current Challenges
DACA has historically applied to individuals who satisfied specific requirements involving their age, date of arrival, continuous residence, education or military service, immigration status, and criminal history. Applicants must also satisfy other program requirements established by the Department of Homeland Security.
For individuals who already have DACA, maintaining protection may involve submitting a timely renewal request. Renewal applications generally require Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, along with the applicable request for employment authorization and supporting documentation.
Timing can be important. Waiting too long to request renewal may create the possibility of a lapse in deferred action or employment authorization. Filing circumstances and government processing times can vary, so we encourage recipients to consider their renewal needs before their current DACA period approaches expiration.
Criminal matters can also affect DACA. Arrests, criminal charges, convictions, and other encounters with law enforcement may have immigration consequences, even when a person previously received DACA. Before submitting a renewal after an arrest or other significant change in circumstances, it can be important to understand how that event could affect the request.
Travel outside the United States also deserves careful consideration. Certain DACA recipients may have questions about advance parole, which can potentially authorize travel for qualifying purposes under current rules. However, international travel can carry significant immigration consequences depending on an individual's history and circumstances. A DACA recipient should understand the potential risks and requirements before making travel plans.
DACA has also been affected by extensive federal court litigation. Court decisions and government policies can influence how initial requests, renewals, and related benefits are handled. Because these developments can occur over time, information found online or based on another person's past experience may no longer accurately reflect current procedures. At Bilbao Law, LLC, we evaluate each client's situation under the rules and policies applicable at the time they seek assistance.
Looking Beyond DACA Toward Your Immigration Future
While maintaining DACA protection can be extremely important, we also believe Dreamers should understand whether they may have additional immigration options.
DACA itself is not a direct pathway to a Green Card or U.S. citizenship. However, a DACA recipient's individual circumstances may create other possibilities under immigration law. Family relationships, marriage, employment opportunities, humanitarian circumstances, victim-based protections, prior entries into the United States, or other factors may affect whether another immigration pathway is available.
This is why our representation is not limited to completing a renewal form. We look at the client's broader immigration history and goals.
Attorney Vilerka Solange Bilbao brings both legal and personal perspective to immigration representation. As a former immigrant herself, she understands that immigration status can influence a person's sense of security, ability to plan for the future, and opportunities for themselves and their family. Our firm is committed to helping clients understand not only what they can do today, but also what options may exist for tomorrow.
When assisting a DACA recipient, we may review previous applications, immigration records, entry history, family relationships, criminal history, employment circumstances, and other relevant information. If another potential form of relief or immigration benefit exists, we can explain how it may relate to the client's broader goals.
We also recognize that uncertainty surrounding DACA can be stressful. Changes to the program can raise questions about employment, protection from removal, travel, and long-term immigration planning. Our goal is to provide clear information based on the client's individual situation so they can make informed decisions rather than relying on rumors or generalized information.
Whether you need assistance with a DACA renewal, have questions about advance parole, are concerned about a change in your circumstances, or want to explore other potential immigration options, Bilbao Law, LLC is prepared to help.
From our office in Jacksonville, Florida, we serve immigration clients nationwide, providing personalized guidance and committed advocacy to Dreamers and their families. If you have questions about DACA or want to better understand your immigration options, contact Bilbao Law, LLC to discuss your circumstances and take the next step toward your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DACA?
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal policy that may provide certain individuals who came to the United States as children with temporary protection from removal and eligibility to request employment authorization. DACA does not itself provide lawful immigration status, a Green Card, or citizenship.
Can I renew my DACA?
Eligible current DACA recipients may be able to request renewal. Because DACA has been affected by ongoing litigation and policy changes, it is important to review current requirements and your individual circumstances before filing.
When should I apply to renew my DACA?
USCIS generally recommends submitting a DACA renewal request 120 to 150 days before the current DACA period expires. Filing too late may increase the risk of a gap in deferred action or employment authorization.
Can I travel outside the United States if I have DACA?
Certain DACA recipients may be able to request advance parole for qualifying travel. However, leaving the United States can have significant immigration consequences depending on your history, so you should understand the requirements and potential risks before traveling.
Can an arrest or criminal charge affect my DACA?
Yes. Certain arrests, criminal convictions, or other encounters with law enforcement may affect DACA eligibility or renewal. If your circumstances have changed since your last application, having your situation reviewed before filing can be important.
Does DACA provide a path to a Green Card or citizenship?
DACA itself does not provide a direct path to lawful permanent residence or U.S. citizenship. However, some DACA recipients may qualify for other immigration options based on marriage, family relationships, employment, humanitarian protections, or other circumstances.
Have Questions About Your Immigration Options?
Whether you are seeking lawful status, reuniting with family, pursuing citizenship, or facing an urgent immigration matter, we are here to help you understand your options and next steps. Call Bilbao Law, LLC at 904-300-0825 today to speak with an attorney about your immigration matter.