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President Biden Releases New Immigration Bill : The US Citizenship Act of 2021

Lee & Garasia, LLC
Se Habla Espanol
Tel: 732-516-1717
Toll Free: 888-404-5876
Experience, Accessibility, and Excellence
for Over 20 Years
“When it comes to immigration, I go to Paris and Angie–and trust me, I know a lot of lawyers all over the world.”–Renzo Gracie, Brazilian Jiujitsu and MMA Legend 
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“Lee and Garasia are excellent lawyers, punctual and professional. They are dedicated to going above and beyond the usual level of service to meet your client’s needs. Their staff is very knowledgeable, friendly and polite. I would highly… recommend this firm to anyone.”
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“I would definitely recommend Mr.Lee and Garasia as an immigration attorney because they did a great job with my case i.e. of Adjustment of Status (i-485). Mr. Lee helped us in each and every detailed information and prepared to the best of it. It was all well done and would like to appreciate.”
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“I would like to thank my lawyer Mr Lee & Garasia and the staff for all immense help and patience throughout this entire process, I really appreciate your constant attention to my case, as well to my questions and my concerns. You’ve really made this process much more comprehensive to me, which I greatly appreciate.”
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“Mr. Lee and Ms. Garasia did a great job with my renewal of my permanent residence application. They help prepare the paperwork with such a great attention to details and accuracy. I will recommend the law firm every time.”
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“Mr. Lee did a great job with the renewal of my permanent residence application. My case was very time sensitive and they worked really fast on my case with great detail and accuracy. I will recommend the law firm every time.”
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“I would recommend Attorney Paris Lee for anybody who needs immigration consultation. Mr. Lee is THE lawyer who respects and cares clients. Mr. Lee is professional and honest. Bottom line, preparation for the results and NO BS!”
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“Stalin – Lee did a wonderful job, Got my wife her visa in one year. He is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him for all your immigration needs.”
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“Hello. I appoint him as my immigration lawyer and that way he solved my cases was truly amazing. He was so honest and knowledgeable for his work. He solved my all family immigration issues and because of his effort we were able to get done our immigration work done successful. Thank you lee and garasia.”
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“Lee & Garasia stand for accountability and responsibility. They are reliable, honest and are always constructively looking for a solution. A big thanks :)”
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Practice Areas

New Jersey DACA Lawyer for DREAMERS

DACA

Since the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (“DACA”) program came out in 2012, it has allowed thousands of “dreamers”—individuals who entered the country at a young age and have grown up here—to apply for protected status and work authorization. Since the program came out, it has been the subject of hotly contested litigation and nearly ended by the Trump Administration.

Fortunately, within hours after assuming office, President Biden issued a memorandum directing the Department of Homeland Security to take measures to preserve and fortify the program. Additionally, there has recently been a series of favorable court decisions that allow qualified individuals to not only renew their DACA status and work permits, but also apply for the first time if they missed out on applying for deferred status initially. See United States District Court Order of December 7, 2020. Additionally, on his first day, President Biden released his immigration bill titled The US Citizenship Act of 2021. Under this proposal—which is not law– individuals with DACA status would be able to apply for permanent residence immediately.

Under the latest District Court Order, USCIS is currently

  • Accepting initial or first-time requests for DACA based on the program in effect prior to September 5, 2017
  • Accepting DACA renewal requests based on the DACA program in effect prior to September 5, 2017
  • Accepting advance parole documents based on DACA policy prior to September 5, 2017
  • Extending one-year grants of DACA to two years
  • Extending one-year DACA employment authorization to two-year terms

In order to qualify for deferred status under DACA, an applicant must meet certain criteria. An applicant may request DACA if the individual:

  • Was under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012;
  • Entered the US before the age of 16;
  • Has continuously resided in the US since June 15, 2007 up to the present time;
  • Was physically present in the US on June 15, 2012 and at the time of making the request for DACA;
  • Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
  • Are currently in school, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, has obtained a general education development certificate (GED), or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the US; and
  • Has not been convicted of any felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety

Individuals with criminal arrests (even for serious traffic tickets like DWI), prior removal or deportation orders, absences from the United States, as well as those who may have entered the country through fraud or misrepresentation should definitely consider consulting with an attorney. Our office can help you identify and solve important legal issues that can impact your long-term future here in the United States.