Houston immigration attorney Susham M. Modi was recently a speaker at the DACA Renewal Information Forum hosted by Own the Dream- Houston, Neighborhood Centers Immigration Department on Wednesday June 4, 2014. At that event, Mr. Modi provided information for first-time applicants as well as those needing to renew their previous DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) applications. Among other things, Mr. Modi explained the process of renewing DACA applications, including who may qualify for DACA renewal, what documents are needed, and the deadlines for applications.

According to USCIS, DACA renewal applicants may be eligible to request a renewal if they: (1) have met initial DACA requirements; (2) have not departed the U.S. since August 15, 2012 without approval; (3) have continued to reside in the U.S. since the initial DACA application was approved; and (4) "have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security." If you think you qualify for DACA renewal, you should hire an experienced immigration attorney in Houston and make sure to apply about 120 days (or 4 months) before deferred action period ends.

It is important to note that DACA does not grant any immigration status, does not provide a path to citizenship, and can be revoked at any time. Moreover, DACA is not the equivalent of the DRAM Act, which has yet to be signed into law to confer its benefits. However, the benefits are that it does provide two years of deferred action as well as the ability to apply for employment authorization.