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Dubrule & Nowel PLLC
813-736-0043
Guiding You Through Every Step Of Your Immigration Journey
Attorneys Chelsea M. Nowel And John E. Dubrule

TPS/DACA Attorney In Tampa, Florida

If you or a family member has been residing in the U.S. illegally, there are several avenues to pursue temporary protections. These specific protections are designed for specific circumstances and provide protection while pursuing permanent residency or citizenship.

They can also provide peace of mind – if you receive protection through these means, you’ll be able to work legally and travel out of the country without fear of being unable to re-enter. Our considerable experience as immigration lawyers in TPS and DACA can assist in securing your status, ensuring you’re well-informed and supported every step of the way.

For expert guidance on securing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), contact Dubrule & Nowel, PLLC, your trusted TPS and DACA attorneys in Tampa, Florida. We’re here to help you work, travel, and live in the U.S. with peace of mind. Call us at 813-736-0043 today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your future.

What Is Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA)?

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, is available for adults residing in the U.S. after arriving as children. DACA is an excellent option, as it provides you with a work authorization for two-year periods and a driver license. It also permits you to apply for a travel permit, allowing you to leave the U.S. on a temporary basis.

DACA protection is available to new applicants and existing DACA recipients that meet these qualifications:

  • Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
  • Came to the United States before reaching their 16th birthday;
  • Has continuously resided in the United States from June 15, 2007, to present;
  • Was physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012;
  • Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
  • Is currently in school, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, has obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
  • Has not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

However, it is important to remember that it is not a permanent status in the United States.

Current Status Of DACA – Legal Challenges and What It Means for Applicants

DACA’s current status is active within USCIS. The courts in January of 2025 issued a decision saying that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) may still accept and process DACA renewal requests. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) can accept new applications for DACA, but they are not currently processing them. What this means is if you were an active recipient of DACA, you can continue to receive the benefits of the program, including authorization to work. However, if you are not given DACA status, you cannot gain it at this time.

Understanding Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

Temporary protected status, or TPS, allows people from specific countries suffering from temporary disasters to reside in the United States. TPS provides you with a work authorization and a driver license. It also permits you to apply for a travel permit, allowing you to leave the U.S. on a temporary basis.

However, like deferred action, TPS is not a permanent status in the United States. Country and time-frame designations for TPS are determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and subject to political and socio-economic change both in the United States and in your home country.

Current TPS-eligible countries include:

Each country has their own specific reasons for being TPS eligible; for example Sudan, Somalia, south sudan, yemen, Ukraine, and others are all in the midst of harrowing conflict. The return to those countries is a dangerous prospect for many. Other countries such as El Salvador are TPS eligible.

Your eligibility for TPS and TPS renewal depends on a number of factors, including your country of origin, your immigration history, and your criminal history

Pathways From DACA/TPS To Permanent Residency

DACA and TPS can be stepping stones to permanent residency. While there is no legislatively secure way to get to citizenship, there are other available options, including

  • Family sponsorship: If you are a recipient of DACA, you likely have other family in the U.S., perhaps even younger siblings who are full U.S. citizens. In many circumstances, they can sponsor you to help you attain a permanent residency.
  • Advanced parole: In some cases, utilizing advanced parole, DACA recipients with sponsors have traveled abroad and returned with a permanent residency application.
  • Humanitarian concerns: If your home county is one where there is upheaval or you face persecution, you may be able to pursue permanent residency under asylum law.

The options that will work in one case may not work in another, so it’s our duty as your attorneys to look closely at your specific situation.

Need Help With DACA Or TPS In Tampa, Florida? Contact Us Today.

At Dubrule & Nowel, PLLC, our priority is keeping you and your family safe, united, and on track to achieve your long-term immigration goals. Whether you’re registering your DACA status or determining your eligibility for TPS, our experienced DACA and TPS attorneys will guide you through the process. We’ll also explore options for permanent residency and help you develop a personalized plan to secure a status that aligns with your needs. Call us at 813-736-0043 today to schedule your consultation and take the next step with confidence.