Humanitarian Visas

DeGrio Channing Law, PLLC offers services in the area of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA), VAWA petitions (Violence Against Women Act), and U visas for certain victims of criminal activity.

Visa Options

DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

  • You may request DACA if you:

    1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;

    2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;

    3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;

    4. Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

    5. Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012, meaning that:

    6. You never had a lawful immigration status on or before June 15, 2012, or

    7. Any lawful immigration status or parole that you obtained prior to June 15, 2012, had expired as of June 15, 2012;

    8. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and

    9. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

    1. Your (or your child) are the victim of the qualifying crime

    2. You (or your child) suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of being the victim

    3. You have information about the crime.

    4. You were helpful, are helpful or are likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.

    5. The crime occurred in the United States or violated U.S. laws

    6. You are admissible to the United States.

More information regarding U Visa Eligibility

USCIS POLICY MANUAL

DACA is an administrative relief enacted under President Barack Obama as a way to provide some immigration relief to the group of people often called “Dreamers” - children who have resided and been educated in the United States. 

DACA is not a lawful immigration status and it does not currently lead to any form of permanent immigration status. However, DACA benefits include employment authorization, which in turn allows for lawful application for a social security number and a driver’s license.

U Visas

The U visa applies to those who have been victims of certain qualifying crimes where mental or physical abuse and harm occurred. The victim must also have been helpful to law enforcement or government officials in the investigation or prosecution of the criminal activity. 

Once a foreign national holds U visa status for 3 years, an application for lawful permanent resident status can be filed.