By Parviz Malakouti-Fitzgerald, Esq.
Knowing how to navigate the U.S. legal system illuminates the path
In my years practicing as a citizenship and immigration lawyer, and as administrator of a facebook DACA group, I’ve come across a lot of DACA recipients and non-DACA dreamers.
In dealing with their cases, I've come to have some insight on the things that are useful for them to know how to do.
These are twenty five things that, in my opinion, are useful for dreamers to know how to do.
Get a copy of your immigration file from previous lawyer(s)
Check the status of your DACA or EAD application
Calculate your amount of unlawful presence
File a freedom of information act request
Get a copy of your I-94
Fix your I-94 if it’s inaccurate
Know what to do if you’re arrested and/or charged with a crime as a DACA recipient
Know how you came into the United States (visa overstay or entry without inspection, or waive-through?)
Renew your passport from your country of origin (Mexico, El Salvador, India, etc.)
Renew your DACA!
File an I-130 petition for alien relative
“Renew” an approved I-130 that is current
Read and understand the U.S. visa bulletin
Contact a U.S. congressmember’s office for help
Get your FBI background check (identity history summary)
Get your state-level background check (California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Ohio, etc.)
Order a copy of your marriage certificate
Order a copy of your childrens’ birth certificates
Get a U.S. federal apostille of a vital document
Get a U.S. state-level apostille of a vital document (Link to California guide here)
Request a free copy of your credit report
Properly answer questions in a USCIS interview (there are important tips!)
Get evidence of selective service registration (for males between 18-26)
Check if a lawyer is actually licensed to practice law
Find a good lawyer
Related: 5 Common DACA Mistakes to Avoid
Each immigration and citizenship case is particular and you should consult with a qualified immigration and citizenship lawyer about your case before taking any steps. The Law Office of Parviz Malakouti does not guarantee the accuracy of information presented nor assume responsibility for actions taken in reliance of this information. The information in this page could become outdated. Attorney marketing.