iamMari2013 8 Posted December 11, 2013 I applied for DA in April 2013, went thru the bio right after. It's been 8 months later and my status still says "initial review" OMG, my patience are running so low at this point. My attorney called and they told him that my case was on 'hold' because they were doing a security check. Until USCIS receives the results on the security check my case can not move forward. Well, here's the issue ( i feel) ...back in 2007(6 years ago), when I was young and dumb I got a DUI, since then I have turned my life around. It was one stupid mistake and I feel that it has been haunting me forever. After the DUI I paid my fines, went to counseling, got married, went back to college, recently received an Associates, starting paralegal classes in January,did volunteer work, work full time , pay taxes. I'm doing everything I am suppose to be doing and I feel that things are just not going my way. Why is it taking so long to hear back from USCIS on my approval/denial?? My attorney told me that even though I have a DUI they look at the totality of circumstances and there is a chance I can get approved... but if my DUI completely disqualifies me how come they have not sent me a denial letter? I am stressed and confused? Any advice? Any one going through the same thing? 1 jooniskorean reacted to this Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DannyBoy 2 Posted December 11, 2013 Your attorney is right, if you got it cleared out your probably okay it also depends on the person who is handling your case , I did see on another forum that a person did get approved that had a dui so try to keep hopes up Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iamMari2013 8 Posted December 12, 2013 Wow! Really... That means I have a chance, good news. I really wanted to know if someone w a DUI had ever got approved. ..good to know. I have hope now. I will stay positive. Btw, that DUI has since been expunged as well. Thanks for your comment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
romero509 4 Posted December 13, 2013 I have the same timeline(april 22nd--?. and my dui was lowered to negligent driving. still waiting too.my case is in Nebraska and I heard they're taking 8-10 months. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iamMari2013 8 Posted December 13, 2013 Oh wow! Well I am willing to wait the 10 months as long as I can get approved and not denied...I think I was April 22 too lol but I am in CA. Let's just wait and see what happens..with DACA it's all a waiting game! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jos3 0 Posted January 7, 2014 I'm in the same boat, I got a dui back in 2010 did divertion program and case got dismiss, I applied for daca in january 2013 did my bio in july now january 2014 and still waiting, I'm 31 yrs with lots of skill in management but I'm not able to make what I should because most places do e-verify, so I'm working under the table for $15 an hours when other are getting pay $20. If I get approved I will get my real estate license and property management license and start my own business and open a food stand at the saturday market.. life is good.. stay positve amigos.. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tori 38 Posted January 7, 2014 You can always go to your county courthouse and request a record to see what crimes you've been charged/found guilty of. If it doesn't show a DUI charge you may be in the clear. When I applied my lawyer suggested I do this for a misdemeanor charge that was dropped. I my app I notated the crime, provided the citation, and provided my record to show it was never charged. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iamMari2013 8 Posted January 15, 2014 Tori- Well actually I did go ahead and expunge it. I just get worried that i still might not get accepted! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAF 0 Posted June 3, 2014 Hello I got a DUI in 2010, I Applied for DACA in late 2013 and just received my approval. Its taking a bit longer to make a decision on the DACA with DUI's but as long as it was prepared properly you should be approved. Be patient and stay positive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iamMari2013 8 Posted June 28, 2014 Thanks! I got approved!! Never getting a DUI again! Have too much to lose Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tori 38 Posted June 28, 2014 DUI is no good. Lose 10 grand in fees plus personal life time. Not worth it. Pay for a cab or Uber/Lyft if it's available in your area. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iamMari2013 8 Posted June 28, 2014 Yes, i know. This happened when i was young and dumb (7 years ago) fortunately for me I still got approved and I am grateful! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Susana 0 Posted July 10, 2014 Hello Everyone, About 8 years ago I got a DUI. Since than, I have been very cautious and not received any other type of driving tickets and/or gotten in any other sort of trouble. I have been told by lawyers not to apply due to the DUI. I have recently received my MBA and I would like to start working. I recently started my family, I feel desperate not to be able to apply for this wonderful opportunity. My greatest fear/concern is to get deported, or detained (since I have a small child). I have the following questions: (any information would be greatly appreciate it): 1- When the application is filed, do I mark/select that I have had a prior conviction (DUI)? 2- Are there any lawyers that you guys (that got approve) would recommend? 3- I'm kind of unclear about the process (since I have never applied) Once the application is submitted (and if I check that I have a prior conviction) does the lawyer has to submit a good conduct letter in order to prove that I am a model/good citizen? 4- In average how long does it take to get any sort of response? Thank you in advance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
holdingon2promise 25 Posted July 13, 2014 @Susana, Still apply. Just make sure you supply a ton of evidence, your college accomplishment such as MBA and apply. I've read that a ton of people with DUI and misdemeanors still got approved. Good luck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tori 38 Posted July 13, 2014 What did the final DUI charge end up being on your record? Many folks with initial DUI charges were able to have a lesser charge on their record once they've gone to court, paid fines, took classes, etc. I lesser DUI charge is much more likely to be accepted for daca approval. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
romero509 4 Posted July 15, 2014 i was denied for having a dui that got lowered to negligent driving. they called a significant misdemeanor Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Susana 0 Posted July 16, 2014 @ holdingon2promise - Thank you, I do want to apply, trust me! But, I am just too concern about the possibility of getting deported. Are you in the process? Did you completed your application stating that you had a prior conviction (DUI) ? Or stated that you did not? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Susana 0 Posted July 16, 2014 @Tori - It is a DUI, I got other charges dropped for driving without a license, but the court left the DUI. Yes, I did all the classes, paid all the fines, etc. It has been 8 years. Was yours a DUI as well? If so, how did you applied? by yourself or with a lawyer? and did you listed your previous conviction (DUI)? Thank you for taking the time to respond. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Susana 0 Posted July 16, 2014 @Romero509 - Im sorry to hear that you did not get approved. Did you file the paperwork by yourself? or with a lawyer? Did you get any documentation from Immigration about the possibility of getting deported? Thank you for taking the time to respond. Truly appreciate it! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tori 38 Posted July 16, 2014 @susana: there must of been confusion. I didn't have a DUI, I was referencing those who've been approved with DUIs. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
holdingon2promise 25 Posted July 19, 2014 @susan same here, no I don't have Dui (In NYC there is no need to drive. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
iamMari2013 8 Posted July 27, 2014 @Susana I think you should definitely apply! But make sure that DUI gets expunged and seal prior to you applying. Yes, you do need to be honest on application and list your charge. Many lawyers will tell you not to apply because you are an automatic disqualification due t the dui , but that's not true! Consult with many until you find the right one. I consulted with a few and 3/4 attorneys told me no way don't apply! But one attorney said I can't guarantee you an approval but it's definitely worth a shot. So I went for it. I was also scared of getting it denied but I got approved about 12 months later! It was a "hell" wait...but worth it! The lawyer will submit all the evidence necessary to build you a good case. But you wanna provide him/her with plenty of evidence showing how your character/conduct has changed after the DUI incident. So this can include college degrees, any volunteer work, marriage certificates, grades report etc.. I hope this helps...keep us posted and GOOD LUCK! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ViK 7 Posted October 24, 2014 Hey everyone I'm new here. I was reading what everyone wrote.I also have a DUI it's been about 6 years already... Those who did get approved for DACA what did you guy do exactly? Did you expunged your DUI first or did some of you get approved without doing that. Did you write a letter saying how bad you wanted this? I'm located in California. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Theresa 63 Posted October 25, 2014 What was the outcome of your DUI? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ViK 7 Posted October 26, 2014 The case is closed. This is the following charges: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Drive while blood alcohol level is 0.08% or more Driving without valid driver license 1,3 05/29/2007 3 years Probation 2 05/29/2007 Sentenced stayed 1 05/29/2007 $390.00 Fines 3 05/29/2007 5 days Jail 3 05/29/2007 5 days Service in lieu of jail 1 05/29/2007 3 months First Offender Alcohol Program 1 05/29/2007 Mothers Aga I didn't serve Jail time I did community service. Also there was no accident's involved. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
