Northern Virginia Immigration Attorney Discusses the DACA Program

Vienna, VA, December 21, 2018 --(PR.com)-- A Northern Virginia immigration attorney at Johnson & Masumi Law Firm released a blog discussing the DACA program and its uncertain future. The firm keeps track of the fast-paced DACA news to stay informed and provide clients with up-to-date information about their cases.

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, was implemented in 2012. It allowed undocumented immigrants who were brought to America when they were 16 years old or younger and were under age 31 as of June 15, 2012 to remain in the country by receiving two-year deferrals on deportations. The program also allowed certain applicants receive work permits, attend school, and get drivers' licenses. DACA holders may remain the U.S. as long as they continually renew their two-year deferrals and pay processing fees. The program was designed to assist children who had accompanied their families to the U.S., often without their own approval. Many of these children have never lived for a significant period of time in their home countries and consider the U.S. their home.

The Trump administration announced that it would begin to end the DACA program. No new requests would be granted, but current recipients can continue to renew their applications. When the program ends, 700,000 "dreamers" -- the name used to describe DACA recipients -- will no longer have protected status in the U.S. after their last two-year renewal ends. Individuals would be deported and lose their work permits. Most DACA recipients are employed, and their deportation would represent a significant loss to the national economy. They would also lose drivers' licenses, access to in-state tuition for higher education, and other benefits. There are several court cases pending to attempt to continue the program and allow DACA recipients to remain in the country and provide them with a path to legal citizenship.

Speak to an immigration attorney for more information about DACA and how to enlist legal counsel for your specific case. Mariam Masumi has nearly 10 years of experience in helping immigrants resolve their cases related to naturalization, lawful permanent residence, removal defense, asylum, and more. While she specializes in immigration cases, she also handles divorce, criminal, and post-conviction relief cases when possible. Masumi can be contacted at 703-506-1470 or online at https://www.johnsonmasumi.com/. Her office is located at 8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 225, Vienna, VA 22182.