Pathways for Dreamers in Jacksonville, Florida | Understanding DACA and Your Options
Pathways for Dreamers in Jacksonville, Florida | Understanding DACA and Your Options
For many young immigrants, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program provided hope, stability, and protection from deportation. Originally introduced to allow individuals who arrived in the United States as children to remain, work, and study legally, DACA has changed lives across the country. However, following a pivotal July 16, 2021 federal court ruling, the program remains in a state of uncertainty—making it more important than ever to explore both DACA eligibility and alternative immigration pathways.
Law Offices of Anny Leon PLLC, we are dedicated to helping Dreamers in Jacksonville and throughout Florida understand their options. Whether through DACA, adjustment of status, or other immigration benefits, attorney Anny Leon will guide you every step of the way.
What Is DACA?
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, allows eligible individuals who entered the U.S. as children—without legal authorization—to request deferred action from removal for renewable two-year periods. DACA recipients are permitted to:
- ✅ Remain in the United States without fear of immediate deportation.
- ✅ Obtain a work permit.
- ✅ Pursue higher education and professional opportunities.
It’s important to note that DACA does not provide permanent residency (a green card) or a pathway to citizenship on its own. Instead, it offers temporary relief while other options are explored.
Who Qualifies for DACA?
If the suspension on new DACA applications is lifted in the future, eligibility requirements are expected to remain as follows:
- Arrival in the U.S. before turning 16.
- Continuous residence since June 15, 2007.
- Under age 31 as of June 15, 2012.
- No lawful status as of June 15, 2012.
- Enrollment in school, a GED program, graduation from high school, or honorable discharge from the military.
- A clean criminal record with no felonies or serious misdemeanors.
Meeting these requirements can be complicated, which is why working with an experienced immigration attorney is essential.
Alternatives for Dreamers Beyond DACA
Even if DACA remains limited, there are still other legal options that may provide stronger, long-term benefits. For example:
- ✈️ Advance Parole – Some DACA recipients may travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. legally, which can open eligibility for permanent residency.
- 💍 Marriage to a U.S. Citizen – If you are married to a U.S. citizen, you may qualify to apply for a green card, even if your original entry was unauthorized. In some cases, a provisional waiver and consular processing may be required.
- 👨👩👦 Parent-Child Sponsorship – If your child is a U.S. citizen and over the age of 21, they may petition for you to receive lawful permanent resident status.
- 📜 Other Immigration Benefits – Depending on your circumstances, asylum, U-visas, or waivers may provide additional relief.
Attorney Anny Leon works with each client individually to determine what options fit best, tailoring solutions to unique family and immigration situations.
Why Work With Anny Leon?
Immigration law is constantly changing—and navigating it without help can lead to delays or missed opportunities. With deep experience and dedication to immigrant communities, Anny Leon provides the compassionate, personalized guidance families deserve. She carefully analyzes every case to uncover possible options, whether through DACA, family-based immigration, or other relief.
