Unlocking the Path to a Green Card
For DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) beneficiaries, the journey toward obtaining a green card can be challenging, but it is made possible through a process known as "Adjustment of Status" (AOS). This process can be a game-changer for DACA recipients, offering them a chance to secure their future in the country they call home. Adjustment of Status is the process through which individuals already present in the United States can apply for lawful permanent residency without the need to leave the country. Unlike consular processing, which involves obtaining a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, AOS allows eligible individuals to complete their green card application entirely within the United States.
Who can petition DACA recipients for a green card through AOS?
To qualify for Adjustment of Status (AOS), eligible petitioners include U.S. Citizen spouses and U.S. Citizen children over the age of 21. Parents, employers, legal permanent resident spouses, and siblings do not meet the qualifying petitioner criteria for requesting DACA recipients through AOS. It's important to note that AOS through employment sponsorship is only possible under 245i provisions.
The Benefits of Adjustment of Status for Dreamers:
Legal Permanent Residency through Adjustment of Status (AOS) presents DACA beneficiaries with significant advantages. It provides them with the opportunity to obtain lawful permanent residency, ensuring stability and security while paving the way towards citizenship in the United States. AOS also enables DACA recipients to reunite with family members by potentially sponsoring them for green cards, fostering family reunification. Additionally, AOS applicants can apply for an "advance parole document" or "combo card" upon filing their application, allowing them to travel internationally for personal and professional development opportunities while they wait for their green card approval. ​While the journey toward AOS may entail its share of challenges and uncertainties, it ultimately holds the potential to promise a more promising and stable future for DACA beneficiaries and their families.