DACA Immigration in Miami, FL

In 2012, the administration of President Barack Obama implemented Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) through the issuance of an executive order. Through this memorandum, a non-congressionally authorized program was created allowing qualifying individuals who arrived in the United States as juveniles and met the necessary requirements to submit a request to USCIS in order to qualify for certain benefits the program provided.

The recipients of DACA are individuals who arrived in the U.S. at a very young age. Many of these individuals were unaware of their illegal immigration status until attempting to apply for a driver’s license or file for financial aid for universities. These recipients are also known as DREAMERS, derived from the DREAM Act that failed to pass in Congress on multiple occasions.

Approval of an application grants individual’s deferral of removal from the country for a period of two years, work permit eligibility, and federal benefits such as Medicare and Social Security. Those who qualified are also allowed to reapply and renew their DACA benefits every two years. The application fee for DACA is $495 every two years. Although this policy does not provide a pathway to citizenship, it has provided relief from deportation to approximately 800,000 undocumented immigrants and improved quality of life through economic opportunity.

Don't hesitate to contact our DACA attorneys in Miami. We're here for you. You can also give us a call at (305) 570-4802.

Who Is Eligible for DACA?

Since the program’s conception in 2012 and through 2019, 2,555,033 DACA requests have been accepted, and 183,187 applications have been denied. According to the data provided by USCIS, over 90% of individuals applying for DACA have been approved. Even if you have been involved or are currently involved in removal proceedings, any individual who meets the requirements for DACA may file for deferred action.

According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, you may be eligible for DACA if you meet the following criteria:

• You were less than 31 years of age as of June 15, 2012,
• You entered the United States before your 16^th birthday,
• You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007 to present,
• You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and
• At the time of making your request for DACA with USCIS,

1. You had no lawful status on June 15, 2012 or if you had legal status it had expired as of June 15, 2012,
2. You are either currently in school, have graduated or obtained a high school diploma, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or have been honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States,
3. You have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or more than three misdemeanors; and
4. And you do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.

You must also be at least 15 years of age to apply for DACA unless you are in removal proceedings. If you meet all of these requirements, you are eligible for DACA and can apply immediately to USCIS by filing form I-821D. For more information on applying for DACA, you can visit the USCIS website here.

The DACA Application & Renewal Process in Miami

Applying for DACA in Miami begins by collecting the required documentation to prove your eligibility—such as identity and age verification, continuous residency, and educational status. Commonly, Miami applicants use school records from Miami-Dade County Public Schools, local employment records, or residential leases to document residence history. You must accurately complete Form I-821D (Application for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). After submitting your packet to USCIS, you may be scheduled for biometric services at a conveniently located Miami Application Support Center.

For renewals, you are required to show evidence that you continue to fulfill DACA eligibility requirements, including continuous residence and adherence to criminal conduct guidelines. Miami DACA attorneys encourage filing renewals at least 120 to 150 days before expiration to avoid a lapse in benefits. When working with a DACA attorney in Miami, such as the team at Hubbs Law, P.A., you benefit from guidance on compiling documentation that meets local standards and anticipating potential issues, including Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS. Professional review increases your chances of success in a high-volume immigration hub like Miami.

How Criminal Records & Local Proceedings Impact DACA in Miami

Criminal records, even those involving minor offenses, carry significant consequences for DACA eligibility in Miami. The city’s unique position at the intersection of federal, state, and county enforcement makes these issues even more nuanced. Arrests in Miami-Dade County can affect your ability to maintain or renew your DACA status, as the USCIS reviews both the nature and the timing of criminal cases. Seeking the guidance of a DACA attorney in Miami ensures that your personal history is reviewed in-depth and that your application provides a clear, complete record—taking into account local laws and procedures.

Miami applicants with prior interactions involving the Miami-Dade Police Department or courts must disclose these records while also working to show any mitigating circumstances. The legal team at Hubbs Law, P.A. draws on experience as former prosecutors and defense lawyers, offering recommendations on sealing or expunging records and providing guidance on how immigration authorities assess local offense classifications. By selecting a DACA lawyer in Miami with deep insight into both criminal defense and immigration law, you safeguard your application and protect your future in the region.

DACA Benefits Explained By Our DACA Attorney in Miami

Once your application has been approved by USCIS, the U.S. government may not advance any deportation efforts against you for a period of two years. DACA recipients are encouraged to apply for renewal four to five months before the two year period expires as it may take up to 120 days to receive an approval for a renewal. Another essential benefit for DACA recipients is the ability to acquire authorization for a work permit. Those who apply for a work permit must prove to USCIS that they have an economic need to work and establish that a job is an economic necessity for the applicant. Other benefits for DACA recipients may include eligibility for a driver’s license and in-state tuition for colleges and universities.

These benefits made available by DACA have attributed to the impact of recipient’s individual earnings, state’s economies, and recipient’s education. DACA recipients have been able to contribute to the economy of the United States and to the social advancement of communities across several cities in the country that would not have been possible before the implementation of this immigration policy.