Seattle Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals Attorneys

Last updated on May 7, 2026

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program is designed to protect young people who were undocumented when they came to the United States as minors. In many cases, these are children who came with their parents. They have never known any home other than the United States, and the DACA program helps protect them from being deported and sent back to their “home” country.

Here at ERM Immigration Law, PLLC, we are a compassionate and experienced group of Seattle attorneys focused on building long-lasting relationships. Founded by managing attorney Emily Reber-Mariniello in May of 2012, our firm has been serving Seattle for more than a decade. We represent clients in U.S. immigration matters from all over the country and the world. We love learning our clients’ stories and finding creative solutions to help them move forward. We understand that DACA is complex and that there are many legal challenges surrounding the program. We are here to help when you need us most. Contact us today for a consultation with an immigration lawyer.

Eligibility Criteria

Not everyone will qualify for DACA protection. Under 8 C.F.R. § 236.21, you must meet specific requirements to receive deferred action. First, you need to have arrived in the United States before your 16th birthday and lived here continuously since June 15, 2007. You must also have been younger than 31 on June 15, 2012.

Your education and background matter, too. You need to currently attend school, have a high school diploma, hold a GED certificate or hold an honorable discharge from the Coast Guard or armed forces. Your criminal record (or lack of it) also affects your eligibility. For instance, if you have a felony conviction, a significant misdemeanor or multiple misdemeanors, or if you pose a threat to national security or public safety, you won’t qualify.

Once you confirm you meet these basic criteria, the next critical step involves documentation to prove your eligibility.

Required Documentation

Applying for DACA or renewing your status requires thorough documentation. You’ll need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport or birth certificate, and evidence of your arrival in the United States before age 16. School records, employment records, medical records and other documents can help establish your continuous residence from June 15, 2007.

You’ll also need to demonstrate that you meet the education requirements through diplomas, transcripts or military service records. USCIS provides detailed filing tips for DACA applications that outline acceptable forms of evidence. Missing or incomplete documentation is one of the most common reasons for delays or denials, which is why working with an experienced immigration attorney who can verify your paperwork can make all the difference.

Potential Renewal Challenges

It’s important to remember that DACA status is not permanent, and you have to initiate renewal. You must file for renewal approximately 150 days before your current authorization expires. Failure to do so can result in gaps in protection, leaving you vulnerable to deportation and losing your work authorization.

Changes in your circumstances can also complicate renewal. If you’ve been arrested, charged with a crime or traveled outside the United States without advance parole, your renewal application may face additional scrutiny or denial. Legal developments and policy changes can also impact renewal eligibility and processing times. Staying updated and working with legal counsel can help you understand your obligations so you can address potential issues before they affect your renewal.

Areas We Can Help With The DACA Process

Logistically, we can assist with various steps in this process, including:

• Determining when to renew DACA authorization
• Gathering necessary documents for the renewal process
• Determining who is eligible for a renewal
• Protecting work authorization in the United States

Note that the renewal process isn’t automatic, even for those who already have DACA status. It’s imperative to understand the steps you’ll need to take to maintain your eligibility. This allows you to stay in the country, work, attend school and much more. We’ll assist you every step of the way.

Is The DACA Program In Jeopardy?

DACA has faced ongoing legal challenges since its creation. Most recently, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against the program, finding that the government did not lawfully create it. However, a court stayed the ruling, which means DACA remains in effect while legal battles continue. Current DACA recipients can still renew their status, but the program does not accept new applicants at this time.

The future of DACA depends on ongoing litigation and potential legislative action. Congress has debated various proposals to provide a permanent solution for Dreamers, but lawmakers have not passed any legislation. This uncertainty makes it critical for recipients to stay informed about legal developments and maintain their status through timely renewals. Understanding the regulatory framework under 8 C.F.R. Part 236, Subpart C, can help you know your rights and protections under the program. We can provide answers and updates as this process unfolds and help you prepare for the next steps.