At Urena & Associates, our NYC DACA lawyers have extensive experience guiding DACA applicants and recipients. We serve families across the city, including Arabic-speaking communities, with personalized legal support.
Understanding DACA and staying up-to-date with legal changes can be overwhelming, which is why obtaining accurate guidance early is crucial. In this article, we will explain what DACA is, who qualifies, how to apply or renew in New York, and why having an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
You may wonder if a lawyer is essential for DACA. Although not mandatory, having an experienced New York City DACA attorney can be extremely helpful. DACA applications are time-sensitive and documentation-heavy. An attorney ensures your forms (I-821D, I-765) are correctly completed and deadlines are met. We also help gather evidence to prove each eligibility requirement, such as school, community, or employment records showing your continuous presence in New York.
Our firm is especially suited to help: Urena & Associates has Arabic-speaking attorneys and staff, so language is never a barrier for Arab-American families. You can discuss your case in your native language, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation. We stay up-to-date on the latest DACA policies and advise you if alternative relief (like asylum or special visas) might also apply to your situation.
DACA is a federal immigration program started in 2012 that helps undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. Often referred to as “Dreamers,” DACA recipients are granted temporary protection from deportation and are eligible to apply for work authorization.
This means they can legally work, open bank accounts, and obtain driver’s licenses while their DACA status is valid. Recipients receive DACA protection for two years at a time and may renew it if they still meet the qualifications. Importantly, DACA is not a path to permanent residency or citizenship – it is a renewable deferral of removal.
Congress has considered legislation (the DREAM Act) to provide a permanent status for Dreamers, but DACA itself relies on executive authority and can be changed or rescinded. In short, DACA provides eligible immigrant youth in New York with temporary legal status and work rights that they would otherwise lack. Still, these benefits must be maintained through timely renewals.
To be eligible for DACA, an applicant must generally meet all of the following requirements:
Each of these conditions requires documentation (for example, birth certificates, school or employment records, or military discharge papers). Meeting the education requirement can be challenging if you have not yet finished school, but a skilled DACA attorney can help.
For instance, if you do not have a high school diploma, our lawyers can direct you to GED or other programs that may help you qualify. Given these strict rules, it’s essential to review your situation with an immigration lawyer who can clarify any questions and help you prepare the strongest application possible.
Applying for DACA or renewing an existing grant involves several official steps. For a first-time application, you (or your lawyer) must file Form I-821D (Request for DACA) along with Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and pay the required USCIS fee (currently $495). After filing, USCIS will schedule a biometric appointment (which includes fingerprinting and a photo) to conduct background checks.
Renewal applications use the same forms and fee. It’s essential to apply for renewal 150–120 days before your current DACA expires. As of 2025, USCIS is allowing first-time DACA requests to be filed but is not processing them, while renewals continue to be accepted and processed. This means if you already have DACA, you should definitely submit a renewal on time.
Once approved, DACA status is granted in two-year increments. An authorized recipient can then apply for a Social Security number and a New York driver’s license.
Gathering evidence for the application can be a challenging task. Our attorneys help you collect and organize documents to prove each requirement – for example, by obtaining school records, work records, or affidavits from community members about your continuous presence in New York. We can even translate and notarize documents in other languages, ensuring USCIS understands your evidence. By carefully preparing every part of the application packet, we give you the best chance for approval.
The legal status of DACA is currently in flux. In January 2025, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals (in Texas) declared key parts of the DACA program unlawful, but it allowed existing DACA recipients to maintain their status. Courts have ordered that new DACA applications not be approved for now, although they continue to be filed nationwide.
For New York applicants, this means that USCIS is currently accepting DACA renewal filings and processing them; however, initial applications will not be approved at this time.
The New York City Mayor’s Office advises that first-time applicants should consult a DACA attorney to explore all options, as only renewals are being processed. Renewal applicants should act promptly: USCIS recommends renewing up to 150 days before expiration. Immigration policies can change rapidly, so our attorneys stay informed about all developments. We guide clients on whether to file now, prepare for a future filing, or pursue alternative immigration relief.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) offers vital protection and work rights to qualifying Dreamers in New York City. Suppose you arrived in the U.S. as a child and meet the eligibility requirements. It’s essential to act promptly. We understand the DACA process can be stressful and confusing, especially with recent legal changes.
Urena & Associates is here to help. Our skilled DACA attorneys will carefully review your case, help you gather all necessary documents, and file your DACA application or renewal on time. We serve families across New York City, including Arabic-speaking communities, with personalized and compassionate representation.
Whether you live in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, or Staten Island, our NYC DACA lawyers can guide you through each step. We offer free initial consultations to discuss your situation and answer your questions. Our bilingual team is standing by to support you. We can explain the process in English or Arabic, whichever you prefer. Don’t risk losing your chance to work and live legally in the U.S. Contact Urena & Associates by phone or through our website today to schedule a consultation with a New York City DACA attorney.
We are ready to fight for your rights and help secure your future.
DACA eligibility in New York City follows the federal guidelines. Generally, you qualify if you came to the U.S. before age 16, have lived in the country continuously since at least June 15, 2007, and were under 31 years old on June 15, 2012. You must also be in school or have a high school diploma/GED, and have no serious criminal convictions. If you meet all these requirements, you may apply for DACA. It’s wise to consult a DACA lawyer or immigration attorney to confirm your eligibility and help prepare your application.
To renew your DACA, file USCIS Form I-821D along with Form I-765 and the required fee (currently $495) about 150–120 days before your DACA expires. The process is the same in New York City as anywhere else. USCIS is currently accepting and processing renewals, so timely renewal is essential. Many people hire an immigration attorney to ensure all paperwork is correct and to address any questions about New York residency documents or past issues.
As of late 2025, USCIS has been accepting but not processing new first-time DACA applications. Only renewals for current recipients are being approved. This means if you’ve never had DACA, your application will be on hold. You should speak with a DACA lawyer in New York to discuss your options and whether you should apply now or pursue other immigration relief (like asylum or family petitions).
A NYC DACA lawyer provides guidance throughout the entire process. The attorney will ensure your forms are filled out correctly, help you gather evidence (like NYC school or work records) to meet DACA requirements, and advise on any complicating issues (such as a minor arrest). An immigration attorney can also prepare you for biometrics and communicate with USCIS on your behalf. In short, a lawyer helps avoid mistakes, saves you time, and improves your chances of a smooth DACA approval or renewal.
The USCIS fee for a DACA application or renewal is $495. This fee covers both required forms (I-821D and I-765). (Attorney fees are separate.) Always use the official USCIS fee and avoid scams. Some non-profit legal clinics in New York City offer free DACA assistance; however, only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives are authorized to provide legal advice. We recommend consulting a qualified DACA lawyer for reliable guidance.
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My husband and I selected Mr. Urena from a big list of qualified lawyers. From the moment that we spoke with him we knew that we had hired the best lawyer. He patiently walked us through the entire process, he was always available to answer our questions day or night, and he always presented us with all the options. We are so grateful for all his help. He fought hard for our case and my husband and I are finally together.
This is an amazing law firm, very honest and caring. Got my wife and kids their green cards in less than 3 months. Very well connected and will get the job done. It’s hard to find a good lawyer but Mr. Rafael is honestly one of the best. Continue doing amazing work and helping people. Thank you.
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