Why Choose Us?

  • Support for both DACA renewals and long-term planning
  • Guidance on advance parole and pathways to residency
  • Personalized review of eligibility and alternatives to DACA
  • Dedicated attorneys who monitor ongoing legal changes
  • Offices in Fort Worth and Southlake for accessible help

If you came to the U.S. as a child and don’t have legal status, you may have heard about DACA. This program has helped hundreds of thousands of young people build lives in the U.S. without constant fear of deportation. For many, it opened the door to education, employment, and peace of mind. But DACA has changed over the years, and it’s understandable to feel unsure about where things stand today. At Zepeda Law Firm, we’re here to walk you through what DACA is, who qualifies, and what you can do now.

What Is DACA?

DACA stands for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. It’s an immigration policy first introduced in 2012 to protect certain individuals who came to the United States as children. If you qualify, DACA allows you to stay in the U.S. without the threat of deportation and gives you a renewable two-year work permit.

It’s important to know that DACA does not give you lawful permanent residency or a pathway to citizenship. But it can make a real difference in your ability to live and work with stability. At Zepeda Law Firm, we can help you understand whether DACA fits your situation and what alternatives may also be available.

Who Qualifies for DACA?

To be eligible for DACA, you must meet all of the following conditions:

  • You were under age 31 as of June 15, 2012
  • You entered the U.S. before your 16th birthday
  • You’ve lived in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007
  • You were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time you applied for DACA
  • You had no lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012
  • You are currently in school, have graduated from high school, earned a GED, or were honorably discharged from the military
  • You haven’t been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors

Even if you’re unsure about one of these requirements, we encourage you to reach out. We’ll go through your timeline, documents, and history to determine if you may still qualify or if another immigration option is better suited for you.

Current Status of DACA

DACA has been involved in numerous legal battles in recent years, which has made the situation more uncertain for both new applicants and current recipients. Right now, here’s where things stand:

  • You can renew your DACA status if you already have it
  • You can apply as a first-time applicant at this time, but applications are not being processed or approved  due to a court order
  • Your current DACA status is still valid, but this could change depending on future legal decisions

While this uncertainty is frustrating, we’re keeping a close eye on court rulings and federal updates. If new opportunities open up, we’ll make sure you know right away. Until then, it’s important to stay current on your renewals and explore any other forms of relief that may apply to you or your family.

Applying or Renewing DACA with Legal Support

If you already have DACA, keeping up with renewals is essential. You want to avoid any gaps in protection or work authorization. We can help you prepare your renewal application and make sure everything is submitted on time and with the correct documentation.

For those who may no longer qualify or who missed the chance to apply earlier, we’ll take a close look at your background to see if other options exist. Some people may be eligible for adjustment of status through marriage or a family member. Others may qualify for humanitarian relief.

We’re here to make the process easier, to answer your questions clearly, and to help you move forward with confidence.

Advance Parole and DACA: What You Should Know

If you have DACA, you may be eligible for advance parole, which allows you to leave the U.S. for certain reasons and return lawfully. This permission is often granted for travel related to a family emergency, education, or work.

Beyond the trip itself, advance parole can have a long-term benefit: returning with parole may count as a lawful entry. That’s important if you later apply for a green card through a U.S. citizen spouse or relative, since many adjustment cases require proof of lawful entry.

Advance parole for DACA recipients is currently available, but the rules can change. If you’re thinking about applying for a green card in the future, this may be a helpful step. We’ll review your situation and help you decide whether advance parole makes sense for you.

Contact Our Experienced Fort Worth DACA Attorneys

DACA has changed many lives, but it isn’t the only option. Whether you’re renewing your status or exploring your next step, we’re here to guide you. At Zepeda Law Firm, we work with families throughout Texas to understand their options and take meaningful action.

If you’re unsure about your DACA eligibility or want help with a renewal, don’t wait. Call Zepeda Law Firm today to schedule a consultation. We’ll talk through your goals, your history, and how we can help you protect your future.