DACA 

Helping Families with DACA Cases in Chicago

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, represents a critical lifeline for thousands of individuals who came to the United States as children. This program is a source of stability, giving undocumented youth the opportunity to study, work, and contribute to their communities without the constant fear of deportation.

As laws surrounding DACA continue to shift, this legal uncertainty carries real consequences for real people. Families may fear watching their loved ones get detained or deported. At Ahlgren Law, we advocate for immigrant youth. We help individuals and their families understand the protections available to them under DACA and related programs. 

Our attorneys know how personal these cases are. Many of our clients came to the United States as children and have spent their entire lives here, building careers, families, and communities. Let us provide a clear picture of where you stand and what comes next.

Who We Serve at Ahlgren Law

Our DACA clients come to us at different points in their immigration journey, but they share a common need: a legal team that understands both the law and the weight of what is at stake. We regularly work with:

• Longtime U.S. Residents Exploring Their Options: Individuals who arrived as children and have grown up here, now trying to determine whether DACA or another form of relief applies to their situation.
• Detained DACA Recipients and Visa Holders: People who believed their status offered protection and now find themselves in custody, unsure of their rights or what happens next.
• DACA Recipients Facing Renewal Issues: Current or former DACA holders dealing with a late, denied, or expired renewal, and who need help closing the gap in their protection.

No matter which of these situations applies, our team starts by listening. We want to understand not just the legal facts, but what our clients need to feel secure about their future.

What Is the Process for a DACA Case?

DACA cases can move quickly, especially when a renewal deadline is approaching, or a client has been taken into custody. To keep clients informed, we follow a consistent process built around current federal requirements. Under existing DACA guidelines, applicants generally must show that they:

• Arrived in the United States before turning 16 and were under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012.
• Have lived continuously in the United States since June 15, 2007.
• Lacked lawful immigration status on June 15, 2012, or had a prior status that expired by that date.
• Are enrolled in school, have completed high school or a GED, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or Armed Forces.
• Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors.

From there, our team reviews each client’s documentation, prepares and files the appropriate application or renewal, and communicates regularly about case status. For clients who are detained or facing removal proceedings, we move quickly to assess their rights and pursue every available option to protect their ability to stay in the United States.

What Sets Ahlgren Law Apart From Other Immigration Firms?

DACA law changes often, and missed deadlines or an outdated strategy can have significant consequences. A few things separate our team from other firms handling these cases:

• Focused Experience With DACA and Immigrant Youth Cases: We concentrate specifically on the needs of young immigrants and DACA recipients, rather than treating these cases as a small part of a broader practice.
• Current Knowledge of a Shifting Legal Picture: Our team tracks ongoing litigation, including the Fifth Circuit’s 2025 ruling and its effects on DACA recipients in Texas, so clients receive advice based on the latest developments rather than outdated assumptions.
• Direct Communication During Detentions: When a client or their family member is taken into custody, our team responds promptly to assess options and explain next steps in plain language.
• Support for Renewal Complications: We help clients address late, denied, or expired renewals before those gaps put their status, work authorization, or safety at risk.

What Should You Do Next if You Need Help With a DACA Case?

DACA has given over 800,000 young people the chance to work, study, and build a future in the United States. But the program remains temporary, and recent enforcement actions and court rulings have made it harder to predict what protection looks like from one year to the next. Whether someone is applying for the first time, facing a renewal deadline, or dealing with a detention, having an experienced legal team on their side can make a real difference in the outcome.

If you or someone in your family needs help understanding DACA, responding to a detention, or resolving a renewal issue, contact Ahlgren Law today. Our team is ready to review your case and explain your options in clear, straightforward terms.

Frequently Asked Questions About DACA