DACA Attorney in Fort Myers

Representing DREAMers throughout the Country 

On June 15, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made what is perhaps the biggest immigration announcement since the 1986 immigration reform by offering what is called “deferred action” to DREAMers.

The Hurtado Immigration Law Firm embraces this bold action that provides relief for the thousands of undocumented youth who call America home and who, through no fault of their own, have been stuck in immigration limbo for years. Although the status of this policy continues to change, the Dream Act reform is a large step forward for so many people who were brought to the U.S. as children.

Contact Our Fort Myers DACA Lawyers Near You

If you are one of these young immigrants, we at the Hurtado Immigration Law Firm know that this policy change represents the opportunity for you to come out of the shadows and fully embrace the only country you know and actively contribute to our society and economy.

Many families in Fort Myers and throughout Southwest Florida turn to us because they want guidance that is both practical and compassionate as they consider whether DACA is right for them. We take the time to review your history, explain how deferred action interacts with your current immigration situation, and outline realistic next steps so you can make an informed decision about applying or renewing.

Contact us online or call (239) 800-0580 to learn more about DACA or to seek assistance with the renewal application process from an experienced DACA attorney near you.

What Is DACA in Fort Myers?

DACA is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that gives protection to some people who entered the U.S. as kids and met the guidelines set by DHS. It allows DACA recipients to apply for a driver's license, Social Security number, and work permit.

In practice, deferred action means that the government agrees to pause any efforts to remove you from the United States for a set period of time, as long as you continue to meet the rules of the program. This protection is granted in two-year increments, and each period must be renewed so that you do not experience a gap in your work authorization or protection from deportation.

When we meet with DREAMers in Fort Myers, we walk through how DACA fits into their long-term goals, such as finishing school, supporting family members, or preparing for another immigration option that may become available later. Understanding what DACA can and cannot do for you is the first step toward deciding whether to apply for renewal or explore different immigration strategies.

The Current Status of DACA - 2023

In 2017, the Trump administration made efforts to end the DACA initiative, which was met with backlash and various lawsuits. In January 2018, a federal district court in San Francisco ordered DHS to begin accepting DACA renewal applications.

As of 2023, DACA is still active, which means that if you were awarded DACA before the July 16, 2021 ruling, you can still renew your application as long as you submit it on time. New requests for DACA will still be accepted by USCIS, but the requests will not be granted.

Because court decisions continue to affect how USCIS handles these cases, it is important to verify the latest rules before you file. Deadlines, filing addresses, and required forms can change, and submitting an outdated application package can lead to delays or rejections that put your work authorization at risk.

When you live in Fort Myers, your DACA renewal is typically processed by USCIS service centers that handle cases from Florida, rather than a local immigration court. We help you track processing times, prepare for possible requests for evidence, and plan around job or school schedules so that a renewal does not interrupt your ability to work or study while your case is pending.

Why Work With a DACA Attorney in Fort Myers

Choosing to apply for or renew DACA is a major decision, and having a trusted guide can make the process less stressful and more organized. When you work with us, we do more than prepare forms; we help you understand how each answer and document can affect your future opportunities in the United States. That level of preparation is especially important because immigration policies can change quickly, and small mistakes may create delays or complications that are hard to fix later.

At our office in Fort Myers, we carefully review your timeline of entry, school history, and any prior contact with immigration or law enforcement before we recommend a course of action. We also help you gather the right supporting documents from schools, employers, and community organizations in Lee County and nearby areas so that your file clearly shows that you meet the requirements. Our goal is to present your story in a way that is easy for an officer at a USCIS service center to understand.

When issues arise, such as gaps in schooling, past travel without permission, or questions about a criminal record, we take the time to explain your options and potential risks. We stay in communication with you while your case is pending so that you know what to expect at each step, and we are available to answer questions if you receive notices from USCIS or need to update your information because of a move, marriage, or new job.

DACA Renewal Process and Timing

Understanding when and how to renew DACA can help you avoid gaps in your work permission or protection from removal. In most situations, people are encouraged to file a renewal request several months before their current DACA period ends, which gives USCIS time to review the case and issue a new approval. If you wait too long to start, you may face a period where you cannot work legally, even if your case is eventually granted.

When we assist with renewals for individuals living in Fort Myers, we first confirm your eligibility and then create a simple checklist tailored to your situation. That checklist might include updated school or employment records, proof that you have remained in the United States, and any documents that explain changes, such as a new address, school, or job. By organizing everything in advance, we work to reduce the chance that a missing document will slow down review at a USCIS service center.

Processing times are different from case to case, so we talk with you about planning around your expected expiration date, travel plans, and family or financial responsibilities. We also explain how to track your case status online, what kinds of notices you might receive in the mail, and what to do if you receive a request for evidence or a decision that you do not understand. Taking a proactive approach helps you feel more in control during a process that can otherwise feel uncertain.

Qualifying for Deferred Action

To qualify for deferred action, DREAMers must:

• Be under 30 years old and have entered the U.S. before age 16
• Have been present in the U.S. for five years as of June 15, 2012
• Have maintained continuous residence in the U.S.
• Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or multiple minor misdemeanors
• Be currently in school, have graduated, have a GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran

There are many benefits associated with receiving deferred action as a DREAMer.

If you win your case seeking deferred action, you can:

• Obtain work authorization
• Obtain a driver’s license
• Study and attend a college or university

If you are in deportation proceedings, your case will be closed,d and you can obtain your work permit. If you have already been ordered to be removed, receiving deferred action will stop you from being physically deported. If you have not been placed in deportation proceedings, this will prevent immigration from placing you in deportation.

When we review eligibility, we also look closely at school records, travel history, and any contact you have had with law enforcement to confirm that nothing in your background will raise problems with USCIS. Gathering documents such as transcripts, vaccination records, and proof of continuous presence in Florida can take time, so we encourage clients to start preparing well before their current DACA period is close to expiring.

If your situation does not clearly meet every requirement, we explain your options and the risks of moving forward so that you are not surprised later in the process. Our role is to help you understand how the rules apply to your life and to present your story in a clear and organized way to the immigration officers who review your request.

When you need a DACA lawyer near you, get in touch with our skilled attorneys at the Hurtado Immigration Law Firm.

Can DACA Lead to a Green Card?

If you obtain your DACA status, you may also be eligible to apply for advance parole – a travel document. If you are granted advance parole, you may travel outside of the United States and return to the U.S. legally. Once you have entered the United States legally, you may be eligible to apply for adjustment of status through an immediate relative petition.

Our Fort Myers DACA attorney has helped many clients through this important process. Remember that DACA is a temporary benefit – do not miss out on this important opportunity to turn this temporary benefit into permanent residency.

Not everyone with DACA will qualify for a green card, so we carefully analyze your family relationships, past entries to the United States, and any prior immigration filings before recommending a strategy. For some DREAMers with U.S. citizen spouses or parents, combining advance parole with an immediate relative petition can create a path to residency that did not exist before DACA.

During a consultation in our Fort Myers office, we also discuss timing issues, such as how long you may be outside the country on advance parole and what evidence you should bring back with you to show that your travel met the terms of the document. By planning, we work to reduce the risk of unexpected problems at the airport or delays when you later submit an application for adjustment of status.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Start My DACA Renewal?

Many people begin preparing their DACA renewal about six months before their current approval expires, so they have time to gather documents and address any questions. Filing early within the guidance provided by USCIS helps reduce the chance of a gap in work authorization while your case is being reviewed.

What Documents Are Usually Needed for a DACA Renewal?

Most renewals require proof of your identity, proof that you have lived in the United States since your last approval, and any records that explain changes,s such as a new address, school, or job. Some people also need court or police documents if they have had any contact with law enforcement since their last application.

Can I Travel While My DACA Renewal Is Pending?

Travel inside the United States is generally allowed, but you should keep your approval notice and identification with you and avoid risky situations, such as checkpoints, if possible. International travel usually requires advance parole, and leaving the country without it can cause serious immigration problems, even if your renewal is later approved.

We want to make sure your case gets individual attention. Please call us at (239) 800-0580 so our DACA lawyers can start your case as soon as possible.