Houston DACA Lawyer

An Immigrant Attorney With 17 Years of Experience, Fighting for Houston Dreamers

DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a U.S. immigration policy introduced in June 2012 that offers temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to certain undocumented individuals brought to the United States as children. DACA recipients, commonly called Dreamers, are granted these protections in two-year increments that can be renewed. It does not, however, provide lawful permanent residency.

Maranto Law Firm assists clients with DACA applications, renewals, and exploring additional immigration options such as green cards. Attorney Rafael Maranto is an immigrant himself and brings 17 years of immigration law experience to every case. He understands this process from the inside and can help you identify the options available to remain in the U.S. and work toward lawful status.

Immigration law demands a meticulous, client-specific approach. At our firm, we take time to understand each client’s circumstances and goals before recommending a path forward.

Get the guidance you need from our DACA lawyer in Houston. Connect with Maranto Law Firm for a free consultation via email or phone at (855) 961-0601. Hablamos español.

DACA Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for DACA, you must meet all of the following requirements:

• Entered the U.S. before turning 16.
• Continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007.
• Were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of filing.
• Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012.
• Are currently enrolled in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a GED, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard.
• Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and don’t pose a threat to national security or public safety.

DACA is renewable every two years, but you must request each renewal and undergo a background check. Applications and renewals are submitted through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The process requires filing specific immigration forms that must be accurate and complete: Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization), and Form I-765WS (Form I-765 Worksheet). Any discrepancies can cause delays or rejection, so precision matters at every step.

You must also include supporting documents, such as proof of identity, proof of U.S. entry before age 16, proof of continuous residence, and proof of education or military service, along with the required filing fees. After submitting, USCIS will schedule a biometrics appointment to collect your fingerprints, photograph, and signature for a background check. Processing times vary and can take several months, so planning ahead is important.

Benefits of DACA

DACA provides recipients with several important protections and opportunities:

• Protection from deportation: DACA recipients are shielded from deportation for two years, subject to renewal.
• Work authorization: Recipients receive work permits allowing them to work legally in the United States.
• Payroll tax contributions: With a valid work permit and Social Security number, DACA recipients contribute to Social Security and Medicare through payroll taxes.
• Driver’s licenses: In Texas, DACA recipients are eligible to obtain driver’s licenses.
• Educational opportunities: Texas has historically allowed DACA recipients to access in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, though eligibility rules are subject to ongoing legal developments. Confirm current rules with your institution or an attorney.

These benefits support personal and professional stability, enabling lawful employment and continued education. If you’re considering any international travel, be aware that current restrictions on advance parole apply. Consult with an attorney before traveling outside the United States.

Challenges DACA Recipients Face in Houston

DACA’s future remains uncertain. The program’s primary legal challenge, Texas v. United States, is pending before Judge Andrew Hanen in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, a case with direct relevance to Houston-area recipients. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued its most recent ruling on January 17, 2025, allowing renewals to continue under a stay while the work-authorization question is sent back to Judge Hanen. Only Congress can provide Dreamers with a permanent solution by creating a path to citizenship.

Beyond the legal uncertainty, many Houston-area Dreamers face practical challenges every renewal cycle. Processing times have increased significantly and now range from approximately three to seven months or more. Renewals must be timed carefully to avoid a gap in work authorization because a lapse means losing the legal right to work and potential vulnerability to removal. Gathering school, employment, and residence records spanning multiple Harris County neighborhoods, school districts, and years of employment history can be difficult if you’ve moved frequently. We help you build a clear renewal plan so these obstacles don’t delay your filing.

Comprehensive DACA Assistance From a Houston DACA Attorney

We guide clients through every stage of the DACA process, from initial applications and renewals to gathering documentation and assessing eligibility for other forms of relief. Some clients may also qualify for family-based immigration or other available options, and we can help you evaluate what makes sense for your situation.

When you meet with us, we walk through your history step by step: when you first arrived, your school records in Houston or elsewhere, and any contact with law enforcement or immigration authorities. That review lets us identify issues that may affect your eligibility and recommend whether it’s safer to renew, wait, or pursue a different immigration path. This individualized analysis matters most when your circumstances have changed since your last approval, whether due to a criminal charge, travel outside the country, or a significant family change.

Take advantage of our free initial consultation. Contact us today.

What It’s Like to Work With Our Firm

The right legal support can make the DACA process far less overwhelming. When you work with us, we take time to learn your personal story, explain how DACA fits into your long-term goals, and outline realistic options under current immigration law. We also help you understand how local procedures, including how cases are handled at USCIS application support centers serving Harris County and surrounding areas, may affect your timeline.

When you work with our firm, you can expect:

• Personalized case review that looks at your history, education, and family situation before any forms are prepared.
• Clear explanations of how DACA, renewals, and other immigration options apply to your specific goals.
• Help organizing documents so that school records, work history, and proof of residence are ready to present to USCIS.
• Ongoing communication about timelines, USCIS notices, and next steps throughout your case.

Many clients also want to understand how DACA connects to longer-term options, such as family-based petitions or future eligibility for permanent residence. Changes in your life, including marriage, children, or new employment, may open paths beyond temporary protection. By viewing DACA as one step in a broader immigration journey, we can help you make decisions that support your stability, career, and family in the years ahead.

The DACA Filing Process in Houston

DACA applications require precision at every stage. The process begins with gathering documents that establish your identity, continuous residency, and educational history, such as school transcripts, utility bills, or lease agreements.

Key stages in the DACA process include:

• Collecting evidence of your identity, U.S. entry, continuous residence, and education or military service.
• Preparing and reviewing forms for accuracy and completeness, including the main DACA request and work authorization application.
• Submitting your packet with the correct filing fees to USCIS and keeping copies of everything submitted.
• Attending your biometrics appointment at the USCIS application support center assigned to your Houston-area address.

Renewal timing is critical. USCIS recommends filing 120 to 150 days before your current DACA expires. Given processing times that now extend to four to six months or more, filing promptly within that window is more important than ever. Filing earlier than 150 days before expiration won’t speed up processing, so staying within that range matters. For applicants living and working across Greater Houston and Harris County, careful planning helps align each filing step with your work, school, and family commitments.

Preparing for Your First Consultation

Coming prepared makes your first meeting more productive. When you gather basic information in advance, we can spend our time together answering your questions rather than tracking down details. This is especially helpful if you live or work far from central Houston and want to make the most of a phone or video consultation.

Before we meet, write down key dates, such as when you entered the United States, when you started school in Texas, and any periods when you moved between cities. Bring any prior DACA approval notices, work permits, and receipts from earlier filings if you have them. These allow us to verify your timeline and flag questions that may affect your options.

It’s also worth thinking through your goals before the consultation. Whether you want to keep working in Harris County, pursue a degree at a local college, or explore whether a family member could petition for you, knowing what matters most allows us to explain how DACA fits into those plans and what steps you can take now to protect your status while planning for longer-term stability.

Costs, Fees, & Payment Options

Many people delay talking to a lawyer about DACA because of cost concerns. We understand that most Dreamers are working hard to support themselves or their families, and unexpected expenses are difficult to absorb. That’s why we’re transparent about fees and structure our services to make legal help accessible.

We use flat-fee structures for DACA applications and renewals, so you know the legal cost upfront. USCIS filing fees are separate from attorney fees, and we walk you through both during your consultation. We also offer payment plans that let you spread costs over time, which can be especially helpful if you’re budgeting for school or rent in Harris County. During your consultation, we can work out a payment schedule that fits your situation.

We also encourage you to ask about costs connected to related immigration options, such as family petitions or green card applications, so you can plan ahead. Understanding the financial side of the process early lets you make informed decisions about when to file, how to set aside funds, and how to coordinate with family members who may be helping you.

Working With Local Agencies & Avoiding Notario Fraud

USCIS application support centers serving Harris County and the surrounding region handle biometrics appointments for DACA applicants. USCIS assigns you to a designated center based on your address, so attending your scheduled appointment at the correct location is important. Missing or failing to reschedule that appointment can cause delays or complications.

Local organizations can assist DACA recipients with:

• Document preparation for gathering and organizing records before filing.
• Translation and interpretation during workshops or meetings if English isn’t your first language.
• General information sessions about immigration policy changes that may affect DACA renewals.
• Referrals to legal services for questions that require advice from a licensed immigration attorney.

One serious risk to understand is notario fraud. Notarios aren’t licensed immigration attorneys and can’t provide legal advice. Texas receives among the highest volumes of DACA applications in the country, and relying on an unauthorized notario to prepare your application can result in errors, denials, and no ability to appeal. A licensed attorney is bound by professional obligations and ethical rules, provides honest assessments of your risks, and maintains written agreements and client confidentiality. These are protections a notario simply can’t offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Current Status of DACA Renewals?

As of mid-2026, USCIS is accepting and processing DACA renewal applications in all states, including Texas, despite ongoing litigation. Processing times have increased significantly, however, now ranging from approximately three to seven months or more compared to just weeks in prior years. USCIS recommends filing renewals 120 to 150 days before your current status expires to reduce the risk of a gap in work authorization.

Initial, first-time DACA applications are being accepted by USCIS but are not being processed under the current court order. If you’ve never held DACA before, consult with an immigration attorney before filing so you understand what to expect.

How Can DACA Recipients Prepare for Possible Program Changes?

Keep up with official USCIS announcements, maintain an organized portfolio of your legal and personal documents, and consult with an immigration attorney regularly. At Maranto Law Firm, we provide ongoing consultations to help clients understand their current status and prepare for legislative or policy changes that could affect their standing.

What Financial Aid Is Available for DACA Recipients in Houston?

DACA recipients aren’t eligible for federal student aid, but they can apply for scholarships and grants through private organizations and local institutions. Texas has historically allowed DACA recipients to pay in-state tuition at public colleges and universities, though eligibility is subject to ongoing legal developments. Confirm current rules with your institution. Several local nonprofits and advocacy groups also provide financial assistance and legal funding to help with the costs of maintaining DACA status and pursuing education.

Speak with a Houston DACA lawyer today. Contact us online or call Maranto Law Firm at (855) 961-0601. Free consultation. Hablamos español.