What are DACA and “Dreamers”?

America is a nation of immigrants. In past generations, many people have recounted stories of how their parents or grandparents first came to the United States through Ellis Island before establishing families. In more recent years, though, patterns of immigration have changed so much that the traditional “immigrant narrative” has shifted.

Today, many immigrants to the United States first came here as minor children with parents or adult relatives. This means many children today may have vague memories of living elsewhere but have grown up and identify as American. These individuals are called Dreamers. As of 2025, there are about two million Dreamers in the United States. 

To protect Dreamers, in 2012 the United States passed Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. DACA is a program meant to protect individuals who were brought to the U.S. as minors from being forcibly removed from the country they have always known. DACA allows Dreamers to live, go to school, and work in the United States. Currently, only about half a million Dreamers have access to or are actively using DACA.

Although DACA affords certain protections, Dreamers must keep paperwork and other applications up to date and accurate to remain in the U.S. Failure to renew properly could potentially endanger a Dreamer’s ability to stay in the United States. This could mean leaving behind the only place you have ever called home. That’s why if you or a loved one are a Dreamer, it’s vitally important you consult an experienced immigration attorney. An attorney from our team could be the one thing standing between you and forcible removal from the U.S.

Who is Eligible for DACA?

Aspects of the DACA Program are subject to change. This is one reason why it’s essential to consult an immigration attorney if you have already applied for DACA or are considering applying.

As of July 2025, to apply for DACA, you must:

  • Have Been Born on or After June 16, 1981
  • Come to the United States Before Your 16th Birthday
  • Have Lived in the U.S. Continuously Since June 15, 2007
  • Have Been Physically Present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012
  • Had No Immigration Status as of June 15, 2012
  • Are Currently Enrolled in School, Have Graduated School, Obtained a GED, or Been Honorably Discharged from the Armed Forces
  • Have Not Been Convicted of a Crime
  • Do Not Pose a Threat to National Security

Some of these qualifications may seem challenging or confusing. This is why an attorney is vital. For instance, an individual who has been convicted of certain types of minor crimes, such as misdemeanors, may still qualify. Who is considered a “threat to national security” may also change depending on shifts in geopolitics or certain U.S. political decisions.

How Often Must I Renew My DACA Application?

After your initial application, you must file for DACA renewal every two years. Failure to follow proper procedure for renewal can have potentially disastrous consequences.

Although you have two years to renew, it is generally advisable to file your application early. Four to five months prior to expiration is usually considered a reasonable time frame. This allows time for processing your renewal and also gives you extra time to correct any mistakes or address any issues that might arise. Generally speaking, the more time you can give yourself, the better.

What Are Some Common DACA Renewal Mistakes to Avoid?

Because Dreamers are not legally U.S. Citizens, the government takes applications for the program very seriously. Failure to properly file a renewal can and has resulted in people being removed from the United States. This is why proper filing with an experienced attorney is critical.

Incomplete and missing documentation is a common issue. DACA paperwork can be challenging and intimidating. The pressure of filling out paperwork properly and completing all necessary forms, with the knowledge that your future in America might depend on it, can be psychologically overwhelming.

Purchasing, owning, or coming into possession of a firearm can impact your DACA application. Because they are not considered legal citizens of the U.S., Dreamers are not permitted access to firearms. Even having a firearm in your home can have a potentially negative impact.  

Failure to update your information can also lead to issues. You must update your application if you have experienced any major life event, including, but not necessarily limit moving, getting a new job, changing your academic circumstances, or more. Not updating your personal information or failing to completely update your personal information could potentially impact your status.

Failure to disclose an arrest can also cause problems. Even if you weren’t charged with a crime, or if you were charged but acquitted, you must still disclose it. Not disclosing you were arrested or choosing to lie about it can have potentially disastrous consequences.

Can I Still Renew DACA if I’m Convicted of a Crime?

A criminal conviction can potentially impact your ability to renew your DACA application. However, failure to honestly report a criminal conviction or even lying about your criminal history can have a far more negative impact. This is why it’s best to consult with an immigration attorney before filing a DACA renewal, especially if you have been arrested or convicted. One of our team’s experienced attorneys can review your criminal history, determine if or how it impacts your DACA application, and help you make the next steps.

How Do I Successfully File a DACA Renewal?

DACA is vital in providing protection to people who came to America as children and who have made their lives here. The renewal process is potentially challenging, and different people may encounter other obstacles in their journeys. No two people have the same path to permanent residency or citizenship. This is why an experienced immigration attorney is key for any Dreamer seeking to renew their DACA Application.

If you or a loved one are a Dreamer, don’t hesitate to contact Toland Law, LLC. We believe every Dreamer deserves their unique path to permanent residency or citizenship, and DACA Application shouldn’t be a source of stress or fear. Our attorneys come from immigrant families and understand both the frustrations of applications and the rewards of life in the U.S. We want all our clients to have the same safe, happy path to a life in America. If you or a loved one needs to renew a DACA Application, don’t hesitate to contact us today at 857-347-3701.

Toland Law, LLC