Introduction
For the 495,300 individuals with protected status under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, there is very little guidance provided to them as to what the future holds while they remain under this protection. While under the protection of DACA, they are able to work, attend school and even apply for permanent residency but are uncertain as to what steps to take to become a U.S. citizen.
In this paper we will look at the steps a DACA recipient must take in order to become a U.S. citizen, as well as the resources that are available to help support the process in hopes of bringing hopeful futures to many of the young immigrants who are left in the dark about their future while under the DACA protection.
Understand DACA: Definition and Importance
If you are going through an immigration crisis and are concerned that you may be deported, you must seek the advice of an immigration lawyer. Undocumented youth have benefited from President Obama’s DACA program. Created in 2012 for children of undocumented aliens, the program grants near-citizenship to the 500,000 plus youth who were brought to the U.S. as children, granting them work authorization as well as the opportunity to attend college in the U.S. Undocumented youth with DACA status can be productive members of our economy and work towards legal permanent residency and or citizenship while doing so.
It is rare that an immigration agent will make a call prior to an alien’s arrest. In other words, an immigration agent can show up at an alien’s home or workplace at any time with a warrant for an alien’s arrest. If an immigration agent shows up at an alien’s home with a warrant for an alien’s arrest, the alien should not open the door unless the warrant has been signed by a judge. As noted above, in situations where an alien is involved in a judicial emergency, an experienced immigration attorney is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week to handle all sorts of immigration emergencies, including situations in which an alien’s life is being persecuted. In such cases, an experienced immigration attorney can serve as the alien’s advocate to protect his/her rights, including the right to remain silent, the right to speak with an immigration attorney, and the right to refuse to sign any document that has been prepared by an officer or agency of the United States or State government without first consulting with an experienced immigration attorney.
Determine Eligibility for DACA: Key Requirements
In order to help educate individuals on the requirements needed for the DACA program and to figure out whether you or a loved one would be eligible for the program, we have set out lined the requirements for the DACA program.
- Age: The applicant must be between the ages of 15 and 31 years of age at the time of application.
- Arrival: You or your parent(s) must have entered the U.S. before your 16th birthday.
- Continuous Residence: You must have continuously lived within the United States since June 15, 2007.
- Current Education Status: Applicants can be currently enrolled in school of the appropriate age, or be a high school graduate or have obtained a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
- Criminal Record: An applicant who has been convicted of a felony or of multiple misdemeanors for which the aggregate sentence is or could be greater than one year shall not be eligible for consideration for initial or renewal of Deferred Action of Liberation and Development for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) benefits.
There are also many female applicants, each with their own individual circumstances that can be described in order to apply for DACA. Above, we outlined the main requirements of the DACA program. We can tell you whether you or a loved one will be eligible to apply for the program.
Our experience serving the community of DACA recipients and their families continues with community-based work, putting on free assistance clinics and educational outreach events. Vasquez Law Firm attorneys are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all urgent immigration matters including unexpected immigration enforcement actions such as a subpoena or an ICE action. Contact us immediately to understand your rights and to receive representation for the best possible outcome. Our work with each client is individualized and comprehensive.
Apply for DACA: Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is a List of Documents Required to Apply for DACA. We offer Free Legal Consultations for Free Legal Advice. Among other things, we can go over the required application forms for you:
- Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
- Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
and review them with you to make sure that you complete them correctly in order to avoid delays with your application.
Complete the application for the Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization). We will review your application to make sure it is complete and that all information is correct. We will also review the documents required to be attached to your application to make sure that all required documents are attached.
The total cost for DACA application is $495 for both applications (I-821D & I-765). We can assist our clients to make payment in installments. The USCIS accepted payment methods for DACA application are:
- money order
- cashier’s check
- credit card
We also provide immigration services in assisting you to complete your DACA application, reviewing your completed DACA applications as well as a complete list of supporting documents and verifying the same for completeness and accuracy. We then facilitate mailing your application package to the appropriate USCIS office as well.
If your application for DACA consideration is received by USCIS they will schedule your biometrics appointment for the purpose of collecting your fingerprints for background checks. Typically the period of time within which USCIS will schedule, complete the collection of your fingerprints is within a few weeks from the date of your appointment. We are available to assist and prepare you for your appointment.
The process of application for DACA consideration will take several months to one year or longer after USCIS has received your application. It is extremely important that you remain informed on the status of your case as well as the requests that USCIS will make of you in order to process your case effectively in order to obtain approval for work authorization and other benefits. Our attorneys are happy to assist you through the process.
Explore Pathways from DACA to Citizenship
As a DACA recipient it can be very hard to figure out a path for obtaining U.S. citizenship but we have written this post to outline a few options that will grant DACA recipients Green Cards for Lawful Permanent Residency (legal permanent residents) and potentially even citizenship in the US.
- Family Sponsorship: Many DACA recipients have immediate family members who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. There are many options for family sponsorship that can lead to lawful permanent residency and subsequently to citizenship. For instance, if you have a spouse or parents who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents then they can start the sponsorship process for you and your family.
- Employment-Based Sponsorship: For many young undocumented immigrants, a pathway to their Green Card, for Lawful Permanent Residency in the U.S., is when they find the right employer to ‘sponsor’ their immigration. Typically, employers in the U.S. will recruit and hire in certain high demand industries where they have difficulty finding U.S. citizen applicants with the required skills to fill available positions. Your skills will get you a job in the U.S. And that job can lead to your Green Card for Lawful Permanent Residency in the U.S. which in turn leads to citizenship for naturalization after a few years.
- Marriage to a U.S. Citizen: Marry a U.S. citizen and immediately become eligible to apply for a green card as a spouse of a U.S. citizen. Note that you can apply for citizenship in this situation a few years after receiving a green card as long as you meet all of the normal naturalization requirements for a U.S. citizen and have been a legal resident of the U.S. for the required length of time.
- Adjustment of Status: The fourth method through which DACA recipients can become U.S. citizens is by Adjustment of Status after receiving a Green Card. Once the holder of a Green Card he or she will be able to apply for citizenship to the US by naturalization. In order to apply for naturalization, the applicant must meet a series of basic requirements, which are the most important are that the applicant has been a resident of the US for a long period of time (as determined by law) and is of good moral character.
Knowing how a DACA recipient can become a citizen is key to creating new opportunities for yourself and your loved ones. There are a large number of people benefiting from participation in the DACA program. In fact, there are over 495,300 participants. The majority of them (81.3%) are from Mexico. As a result, it seems there are many who want to learn about earning citizenship through DACA. Since new and proposed bills constantly get introduced into legislation, it seems that there will be immigration laws that will allow young undocumented immigrants to get a path to citizenship, including through the Dream and Promise Act currently before Congress. That being said, as a DACA recipient, you can always reapply for DACA status if it has already lapsed, and you are seeking another solution for protected status in the meantime, you should continue to hold the protected status that you currently have.
Access Resources and Support for DACA Applicants
Daca recipient and need help with ways to obtain citizenship without proper resources? Here are a few options for you to consider.
- Legal Support: We suggest that all DACA applicants seek the qualified assistance of an Immigration Attorney, particularly when it comes to obtaining Deferred Action. Most non-profit organizations that work with such deferred action applicants charge very little if anything at all for their application assistance. They have great knowledge in each situation as well as application and can go over all of the application and necessary documentation in detail. Our Immigration Attorneys at the Vasquez Law Firm give away pro bono services to low income families seeking representation in their Immigration cases as well as with their DACA applications. We at the Vasquez Law Firm strive to provide equal justice to all individuals alike.
- Community Organizations: Many organizations within local communities that are striving to help Immigrants work within deferred action areas of immigration. These organizations hold workshops, set up free of charge or low cost application sites for workshop attendees as well as the general public to complete their first or renewal applications for deferred action for children of Immigrants. The Vasquez Law Firm often partners up with such community organizations for events held by both parties. In these events, the community organizations inform participants about immigrant rights as well as the services immigration lawyers such as Vasquez Law provide.
- Online Resources: Many immigrants with DACA status look for information on current programs and ways to become a citizen online. USCIS and many other organizations that advocate for immigrants’ rights post a lot of statistics, forms, and process information on their websites.
- Financial Assistance: Some organizations grant money and provide funds for the fees that it costs to apply for DACA. These fees can be very expensive, and many people cannot afford to pay for DACA without the financial assistance provided by these grants and funds of money. Vasquez Law also tries to accommodate the immigration clients by offering them different payment plans for their immigration legal services.
- Educational Resources: These can include workshops and/or webinars on information needed for those trying to go through the process of the immigration enrollment process and the different routes that those with DACA status can take in order to attain citizenship. Denisse Ilabaca, a Board Certified Immigration Attorney says, “The single most useful thing most recipients can do is to renew on time.” With these types of resources and more individuals with DACA status can gain the knowledge needed to go through the process of becoming a citizen of the United States and how can daca get citizenship.
We at the Vasquez Law Firm are here to assist you and your family in seeking Citizenship and any other Immigration Relief that you may be eligible for!
Conclusion
For many of the DACA recipients at Vasquez Law Firm, becoming a U.S. citizen is the ultimate goal. However, the process of obtaining citizenship can be long and arduous. But there is a path available to those who are eligible for citizenship and we can guide our clients through the process to obtain full and permanent residency for the purpose of citizenship. This can be through family members, work opportunities or even by marrying a U.S. citizen. We are here to guide and support our clients every step of the way.
Our experienced Immigration lawyers at Vasquez Law Firm will guide our clients and DACA recipients through the process of applying for U.S. Citizenship. Our expert lawyers will assist you and offer you the best legal resources available to successfully achieve the goals of our law firm and clients, in an emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Offering clients flexible payment options and special financing available for qualified applicants.
The laws of immigration laws are subject to change often, so it is best to stay informed and get a head start on the process to citizenship. Reach out to online resources and organizations in your community for aid in your citizenship process. It is also very important to reach out to an immigration lawyer to get the best advice on how to go about getting citizenship. At Vasquez Law Firm, our main priority is to give our clients the best legal representation possible, while giving them the individual attention that they need. Our bilingual staff is here to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have in a language that you can understand. We care about you and your journey to obtaining your citizenship, and will be by your side every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DACA and why is it important?
DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a program created in 2012 that provides near-citizenship status to over 500,000 undocumented youth who were brought to the U.S. as children. It grants them work authorization and the opportunity to attend college, allowing them to become productive members of the economy while working towards legal permanent residency or citizenship.
What should I do if an immigration agent shows up at my home?
If an immigration agent arrives at your home with a warrant, you should not open the door unless the warrant is signed by a judge. It is advisable to consult with an experienced immigration attorney who can advocate for your rights, including the right to remain silent and the right to refuse to sign any documents without legal counsel.
What are the key eligibility requirements for DACA?
To be eligible for DACA, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Age: Between 15 and 31 years old at the time of application.
- Arrival: Entered the U.S. before their 16th birthday.
- Continuous Residence: Lived in the U.S. continuously since June 15, 2007.
- Current Education Status: Currently enrolled in school, a high school graduate, or have obtained a GED.
- Criminal Record: Not convicted of a felony or multiple misdemeanors that could result in a sentence greater than one year.
How can Vasquez Law Firm assist with DACA applications?
Vasquez Law Firm provides individualized and comprehensive assistance for DACA applicants, including free assistance clinics and educational outreach events. Their attorneys are available 24/7 for urgent immigration matters, ensuring clients understand their rights and receive the best possible representation.
What should I do if I need urgent legal assistance regarding immigration?
If you require urgent legal assistance, you can contact Vasquez Law Firm, which is available 24/7 to handle immigration emergencies, including unexpected enforcement actions. They offer virtual consultations and can represent clients in immigration courts nationwide.
List of Sources
- Understand DACA: Definition and Importance
- DACA Updates (https://immigrantsrising.org/daca)
- Latest DACA News - United We Dream (https://unitedwedream.org/daca-news)
- Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) | USCIS (https://uscis.gov/DACA)
- Latest DACA Developments - National Immigration Law Center (https://nilc.org/resources/latest-daca-developments)
- DACA Court Case Updates - FWD.us (https://fwd.us/news/daca-court-case)
- Determine Eligibility for DACA: Key Requirements
- Current Status of DACA: Explainer - National Immigration Forum (https://forumtogether.org/article/current-status-of-daca-explainer)
- Latest News for DACA Recipients 2026 | VA Immigration Lawyer (https://immigrationabogado.com/blog/whats-the-latest-news-for-daca-recipients)
- DACA Court Case Updates - FWD.us (https://fwd.us/news/daca-court-case)
- Apply for DACA: Step-by-Step Application Process
- Immigration and Citizenship Data (https://uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/immigration-and-citizenship-data)
- Latest News for DACA Recipients 2026 | VA Immigration Lawyer (https://immigrationabogado.com/blog/whats-the-latest-news-for-daca-recipients)
- DACA in 2026: Where Things Stand Now (https://ilabacalaw.com/blog/immigration-news/daca-in-2026-where-things-stand-now)
- Explore Pathways from DACA to Citizenship
- How many DACA recipients are there? | USAFacts (https://usafacts.org/answers/how-many-daca-recipients-are-there/country/united-states)
- Pathways to Citizenship for DACA Recipients: Updates & Analysis (https://nilc.org/resources/pathway-to-citizenship-legislative-updates)
- Mark Kelly pushes permanent citizenship for DACA recipients as renewal delays spike (https://azmirror.com/2026/05/12/mark-kelly-pushes-permanent-citizenship-for-daca-recipients-as-renewal-delays-spike)
- Access Resources and Support for DACA Applicants
- DACA | Immigrant Legal Resource Center | ILRC (https://ilrc.org/areas-expertise/daca)
- Guidance for DACA Recipients and Legal Practitioners – Frequently Asked Questions (https://unitedwedream.org/resources/guidance-for-daca-recipients-and-legal-practitioners-frequently-asked-questions)
- Current Status of DACA: Explainer - National Immigration Forum (https://forumtogether.org/article/current-status-of-daca-explainer)
- DACA in 2026: Where Things Stand Now (https://ilabacalaw.com/blog/immigration-news/daca-in-2026-where-things-stand-now)
- Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (https://uscis.gov/i-821d)
