Riverside DACA Immigration Lawyer

The program of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) offers protection for individuals who arrived in the U.S. as children. Unfortunately, this highly politicized program is frequently impacted by court proceedings and federal decisions. If you are looking to renew your DACA status or want to understand what options you have through applying, a Riverside DACA immigration lawyer can give you the legal guidance you need.

At our Southern California immigration law firm, U.S. Law Center, we practice globally, representing corporations, small businesses, families, and individuals in a wide variety of immigration matters. With our extensive knowledge of constantly changing U.S. immigration law and our dedication to clients, our lawyers work to achieve beneficial resolutions.

Understanding The ‘Dreamers Act’ And DACA

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) began consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) immigrants who arrived as children on August 15, 2012.

Deferred action for dreamers is a program geared toward young people who have been living in the United States since they were children and who meet certain guidelines. Consideration for this program was originally available to those who were currently in removal proceedings, those who had been issued orders of deportation, and those who had never been involved in an immigration matter.

Renewing Your DACA Status

As of late 2018, DACA is only available on a renewal basis. As laws and enforcement trends change, it is important to stay in touch with an immigration lawyer if this program may apply to you or a close family member.

Requests for renewal of deferred action status are considered on an individual basis. Applicants must provide biometric information, undergo background checks, complete a specific form, and mail the request along with an application for employment authorization and all applicable fees.

DACA Applications in Recent Years

Although new applications for DACA cannot be approved, there are many initial and renewal applications of Form I-821D being made. In fiscal year 2024, there were 264,535 applications for DACA consideration. In the third quarter of 2025, there were 68,416 applications for consideration.

Consideration of Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals

The following content was published on the USCIS.GOV website on August 3, 2012, although some updates have been made as of 2025. As of 2018, DACA is available on a renewal basis only. Talk to an immigration lawyer to learn how current laws apply to your situation.

USCIS began accepting requests for consideration of deferred action on August 15, 2012.

DHS Outlines Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

The Department of Homeland Security today provided additional information on the deferred action for childhood arrivals process during a national media call in preparation for the August 15 implementation date.

On June 15, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that certain young people who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines may be eligible, on a case-by-case basis, to receive deferred action. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is finalizing a process by which potentially eligible individuals may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

USCIS expects to make all forms, instructions, and additional information relevant to the deferred action for childhood arrivals process available on August 15, 2012. USCIS will then immediately begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

Information shared includes the following highlights:

• Requestors, those in removal proceedings, those with final orders, and those who have never been in removal proceedings, will be able to affirmatively request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals with USCIS.
• Requestors will use a form developed for this specific purpose.
• Requestors will mail their deferred action request, together with an application for an employment authorization document and all applicable fees, to the USCIS lockbox.
• All requestors must provide biometrics and undergo background checks.
• Fee waivers cannot be requested for the application for employment authorization and biometric collection. However, fee exemptions will be available in limited circumstances.
• The four USCIS Service Centers will review requests.

Individuals may begin to request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals on August 15, 2012. Please contact our office for an appointment immediately to determine if you or your loved one qualifies for this process.

Disclaimer by USCIS: Immigration law could be complex, and it is impossible to describe every aspect of every process. You may wish to be represented by a licensed attorney or a nonprofit agency accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Hire a DACA Immigration Lawyer

Our immigration lawyers will advise you on whether you still qualify for DACA and will provide comprehensive help preparing the requested materials to offer you an optimal chance for approval of your renewal application. We answer your questions and concerns about legal changes, assist in filing your renewal with plenty of time, and protect your rights under DACA when needed.

If the USCIS requests further evidence, we help you answer quickly. We can represent you to the USCIS field office in Los Angeles. No matter what you or your family need in your DACA case, a Riverside DACA immigration lawyer from U.S. Law Center can help. With our team’s knowledge and experience on your side, you can have the confidence you need to pursue a successful outcome in your case.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DACA Immigration Lawyer Cost in California?

A: The cost of a DACA immigration lawyer in California relies on many factors, including the attorney you work with, their experience, their location, their fee structure, and your unique case. Some DACA application cases are more complex than others, and this can make them cost more. These cases may be charged as a flat fee or an hourly rate, which further affects costs for longer cases. When you hire a DACA immigration lawyer, discuss their fees upfront.

Q: Can a Person With DACA Get Detained or Deported in California?

A: A person with DACA status should not be able to be detained or deported in California, as one of the protections of DACA status is the deferred action of removal. Unfortunately, this is not the reality in the U.S. currently, and statements and actions by the federal government frequently contradict the protections under DACA. If you have DACA protection, it is vital that you have the contact information of a skilled immigration attorney to protect your rights.

Q: Why Is It Important to Hire a DACA Immigration Lawyer?

A: It’s incredibly beneficial to hire an immigration lawyer to help you apply for or renew your DACA status. Since the USCIS is not currently processing new requests, an attorney can help you assess the benefits and drawbacks of applying. If you are requesting a renewal, an attorney can assist in filing your application in a timely manner with the correct information. An attorney can determine your options for work permits, travel, and assess any changes to DACA laws.

Q: Can You Apply for DACA in 2026?

A: As of early 2026, you can apply for DACA for the first time, although the USCIS is prohibited from approving any new applications. Applying can still be helpful to protect your interests in the future if changes are made and USCIS is able to approve new applications. Currently, the agency is still able to approve renewal requests for DACA. Unfortunately, DACA is a constantly changing area of law, so it’s useful to have the support of an attorney.

Riverside DACA Immigration Lawyer | Deferred Entry of Dreamers

Contact U.S. Law Center for more information about how the DACA program may affect your loved ones and your immigration status in the United States. We are here to help. We invite you to reach out to our Corona office to see how our Riverside DACA immigration attorneys can bring you compassionate and clarifying legal guidance. With our knowledge and experience on your side, you can get the answers you need to pursue the outcome you deserve.