Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has provided protection and opportunity for thousands of young people across the United States, including many who call Columbus home. DACA allows eligible immigrants, often called “Dreamers,” to live, study, and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation. But the program has faced ongoing legal challenges, and renewals require strict attention to deadlines and documentation.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, our attorneys help Columbus residents apply for and renew DACA protections. We understand how important DACA is to Dreamers and their families, and we are committed to providing strong legal support to safeguard their futures.
Why DACA Matters in Columbus
Columbus is home to a growing immigrant community and one of the largest universities in the country, The Ohio State University. Many Dreamers in the city are students, graduates, or young professionals building their futures through education and work. For these individuals, DACA provides not just protection from deportation but also access to opportunities they might otherwise be denied.
The benefits of DACA for Columbus residents include:
- Protection from deportation: DACA recipients are shielded from removal while their status is valid.
- Work authorization: Dreamers can apply for employment authorization, opening doors to jobs in healthcare, education, technology, and other industries in Columbus.
- Educational opportunities: DACA often makes it easier to access higher education, internships, and professional training programs.
- Driver’s licenses and identification: Recipients in Ohio can obtain driver’s licenses, which are crucial for daily life in Columbus.
- Stability and security: Perhaps most importantly, DACA provides peace of mind for Dreamers and their families.
For many in Columbus, especially students and young professionals, DACA is a lifeline that allows them to fully participate in their communities and contribute to the city’s growth.
Common Challenges Columbus Dreamers Face
While DACA has helped thousands of immigrants, it is far from simple to maintain. Dreamers in Columbus often face unique challenges, including:
- Strict renewal deadlines: Applications must be submitted within a specific window. Missing a deadline can cause a lapse in protection and work authorization.
- Uncertainty about the program’s future: Ongoing legal battles create stress for DACA recipients who worry about long-term security.
- Complex paperwork: Filing for renewal requires updated forms, fees, and supporting evidence. Errors or omissions can result in delays or denials.
- Changes in circumstances: Criminal charges, travel abroad without advance parole, or other issues can impact eligibility.
- Transitioning beyond DACA: Many Columbus Dreamers are exploring permanent options, such as family petitions or employment-based visas, but don’t know where to start.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we help Columbus residents overcome these obstacles by preparing thorough applications, tracking deadlines, and advising on long-term solutions.
DACA Services in Columbus
Initial DACA Applications
Although new applications are currently limited by ongoing court decisions, we monitor legal developments closely. When opportunities arise, we are ready to assist Columbus residents who may become eligible for the first time.
DACA Renewals
Renewals are time-sensitive and critical. We ensure all paperwork is properly completed, fees are paid, and applications are submitted well before deadlines. Our goal is to prevent any gaps in protection or work authorization.
Employment Authorization Applications
Work authorization is one of the most valuable benefits of DACA. We help clients apply for and renew Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), so they can legally work in Columbus.
Advance Parole
Although advance parole for DACA recipients has been restricted in recent years, when available, it allows Dreamers to travel abroad temporarily for educational, humanitarian, or employment purposes. We help clients apply safely and legally.
Long-Term Immigration Planning
For many Columbus Dreamers, DACA is only a temporary solution. We explore other immigration options, such as adjustment of status, family sponsorships, or employment-based visas, to create a pathway toward permanent residency.
Special Considerations for Columbus Dreamers
Columbus’s immigrant community faces unique circumstances that make DACA representation especially important:
- Ohio State University Students: OSU has a large international and immigrant student population. Many Dreamers are enrolled or recently graduated, seeking work opportunities in Columbus. Our attorneys work with students to ensure renewals are filed on time and help them transition to work visas or permanent residency when possible.
- Young Professionals: Columbus’s growing tech and healthcare sectors attract Dreamers who are beginning their careers. We help them maintain valid work authorization and explore employment-based green cards.
- Families: Many Dreamers in Columbus are raising families of their own. DACA protection allows them to provide stability and security for their children, and we assist in exploring family-based immigration options.
By focusing on the realities of life in Columbus, we provide representation that reflects the unique needs of the city’s Dreamers.
Why Columbus Dreamers Choose Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez
DACA cases require precision, urgency, and compassion. Columbus residents turn to our firm because:
- Local experience with national reach: We represent clients throughout Columbus while drawing on decades of nationwide immigration law experience.
- Full-service immigration law: Beyond DACA renewals, we help clients pursue permanent solutions like green cards, asylum, or employment-based visas.
- Bilingual representation: We serve Columbus Dreamers in English and Spanish, making our services accessible to more immigrant families.
- Proven success: Our attorneys have helped thousands of clients secure and maintain immigration protections, including DACA renewals and employment authorization.
- Compassionate advocacy: We understand that DACA is more than paperwork; it’s about protecting futures, families, and communities.
Contact Our Columbus DACA Lawyers Today
For Dreamers in Columbus, DACA protections are too important to risk on mistakes or delays. Whether you are filing a renewal, preparing for employment authorization, or exploring long-term options, having the right attorney can make all the difference.
At Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez, we are proud to stand with Dreamers in Columbus. We understand the challenges you face, and we are committed to fighting for your rights, your opportunities, and your future.
Call Bartell, Georgalas & Juarez today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation with an experienced Columbus DACA lawyer.
