DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) Lawyer in Houston, TX

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, provides protection from deportation and eligibility for work authorization to individuals who came to the United States as children. At Prosperity Immigration Law, our immigration team, led by attorney Luis F. Hess, works with DACA recipients in Houston and across Texas on renewals, employment authorization, the current legal landscape, and longer-term immigration planning.

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What Is DACA?

DACA was announced by the Obama Administration in June 2012. Those approved receive a two-year period of deferred action, during which DHS agrees not to pursue removal, and are eligible to separately apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) permitting legal work. DACA does not confer lawful immigration status.

DACA recipients are not legal permanent residents and cannot travel internationally without advance parole. It is not a visa, not a lawful immigration status, and not a direct path to a green card. It is a prosecutorial discretion policy that has been in active federal litigation since 2017.

Some DACA recipients have other immigration options based on their individual circumstances, such as through marriage, family relationships, or employment-based pathways, but these must be evaluated case by case.

DACA's legal status is actively evolving. Nothing here should be taken as current legal advice for any individual situation. We strongly recommend speaking with an attorney before making any decisions about DACA, travel, or alternative immigration options.

Eligibility Requirements for DACA

To be considered for DACA under the original 2012 criteria, an individual must:

Have been under age 31 as of June 15, 2012
Have come to the United States before reaching age 16
Have continuously resided in the United States from June 15, 2007, to the present
Have been physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of filing
Have been unlawfully present on June 15, 2012, or have had lawful presence expire by that date
Be currently enrolled in school, have a high school diploma or GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran
Not have been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and not pose a threat to national security or public safety

Note: Current USCIS guidance processes renewals only for individuals who received DACA prior to July 16, 2021. Individuals whose DACA expired more than one year ago are treated as first-time applicants and are not currently being processed.

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How to Renew DACA: Step by Step

  1. File between 120 and 150 days before expiration: USCIS recommends filing within this window, four to five months before the current DACA expiration date. Filing earlier than 150 days before expiration will not speed up processing. Filing too close to expiration risks a gap in work authorization.
  2. Prepare Form I-821D: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Completed online or by paper with supporting documentation confirming continued eligibility.
  3. Prepare Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization. Filed together with Form I-821D. The current total fee is $555 (online filing) or $605 (paper filing by mail).
  4. Submit both forms together: The I-821D and I-765 are filed as a package. If the renewal is filed on time and the current EAD expires during processing, USCIS will automatically extend the existing EAD for up to 180 days while the renewal is pending.
  5. Track the case and maintain compliance: Keep your address current with USCIS. Do not travel internationally without consulting an attorney first, advance parole is a separate application and leaving without it can forfeit DACA status.

What Our Clients Say

  • “I had an exceptional experience working with the Prosperity Immigration Law team. Their deep knowledge of employment-based immigration cases, coupled with their clear communication and meticulous approach, made the entire process seamless and stress-free. I felt fully supported at each step, confident that I was receiving top-tier legal guidance from true experts in the field.” - Tunde D.

  • “We highly recommend Prosperity Immigration Law for helping process my Immigrant visa from the initial application till the issuance of my green card. They did a great job for my case considering we are based overseas. When we started the process, communication and documentation were done remotely with zero issues at all. Staff assigned to my case are very responsive and coordinate us in a prompt and timely manner. Everything happened in perfect timing.” - Roselyn P.

  • “This firm is compassionate, well-organized, and truly committed to their clients. If you're looking for an immigration team that treats you like a person — not just a case — I highly recommend them. Huge thanks to Yakelin and Irving for being absolutely amazing!” - Tulia R.

  • “Thank you to this entire team of professionals who took our case until the approval of our EB-1A visa. They always responded immediately to our calls and questions about it. Our case was taken step by step with the expertise that these procedures require. You can find from the reception the warmth and knowledge of your areas of work, which makes this equipment totally homogeneous, effective and efficient. Thank you so much and we recommend you as THE BEST IMMIGRATION LAWYERS.” - Diego R.

Why Choose Prosperity Immigration Law

We know the process inside and out: Immigration rules change constantly, new policies, updated fee schedules, shifting processing times. We stay current so our clients do not have to.
We approach every case honestly: If an application faces real obstacles, we say so upfront. Our job is to give you a clear picture of where you stand and the most realistic path forward, not to tell you what you want to hear.
We handle the details so you do not have to: From document checklists to filing deadlines, we manage every moving part of your case so nothing is missed and nothing is late.
We think beyond the current application: A visa is rarely the end goal, it is a step toward something larger. We help clients think ahead so that today's filing supports tomorrow's options, not the other way around.
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Frequently Asked Questions About DACA

Can I still renew my DACA right now? Collapse

Yes, as of the current court status, USCIS continues to accept and process DACA renewal requests nationwide, including Texas. File between 120 and 150 days before your expiration. Do not wait until the final weeks, processing times and new court orders can shift quickly.

I never had DACA. Can I apply for the first time?
Can I travel internationally with DACA?
Does DACA give me a path to a green card? Collapse

Not directly. DACA itself does not create an immigration status or a green card pathway. However, some DACA recipients have other immigration options through marriage, family relationships, or employment that can lead to permanent residence. Whether any of these apply depends entirely on individual circumstances.

Can I work legally with DACA?
What happens if my DACA expires?
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Schedule a Consultation With Our DACA Lawyer in Houston Today

Whether you need to renew on time, are concerned about the Texas litigation, want to understand your longer-term immigration options, or have a complex situation involving travel or a green card pathway, we are here to help you understand where you stand.

We serve clients in Houston, The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Katy, and across Montgomery and Harris Counties. Contact us today to discuss your eligibility and next steps.

Our Offices

Houston
7322 Southwest Fwy, Tower One, 4th Floor, Suite 470
Houston, TX 77074
(281) 545-3607

Harris County
21815 Oak Park Trails Dr,
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 801-5726

The Woodlands
282 Ed English Dr,
Shenandoah, TX 77385
(281) 949-7126