1.76 million undocumented immigrants are estimated to qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) since the bill was passed in June 2012, but a majority of those 1.76 million have not taken the steps to apply for this opportunity to live in the United States without fear of deportation. Many have not yet applied because of fears surrounding the application and approval process. We outlined many of the fears about applying to DACA previously on our blog.

Here is a list of common fears and concerns that address DACA from application to approval:

I can't afford it.

The application fee for deferred action is $465, plus additional fees when you use an attorney or any legal service. This can be a daunting amount for some undocumented immigrants.

It is essential to do your research at the beginning of the DACA application process. Legal service fees can vary greatly, and many attorneys will promise an initial low fee that will rise steeply for every hour of work they put into your case. Make sure you are aware of all fees up front before you proceed with your case. Choosing the right organization to work with can affect the price significantly.

Keep in mind your DACA approval is an investment in your future financial success and well-being: DACA is a work permit that guarantees you won't be deported, that allows you to accept a job that provides legal benefits and fair pay, and provides an opportunity to take jobs that require a valid driver's license. You are also making an investment in your own peace of mind: DACA status will protect you against harassment from law enforcement and possible deportation.

I'm afraid that I might not even qualify, so why apply to reveal my undocumented status?

Many reputable immigration organizations provide online checklists to see if your DACA application would be approved. This will give you a good idea about whether you should move forward with the application. Make sure whatever organization you work with has high approval rates for DACA applicants so that your time and resources used to apply are well spent. Working with a trustworthy institution ensures your information should be kept confidential whether you qualify or not.

What if I'm rejected? If I get denied DACA approval, I could be deported.

This is why doing your research and getting a case assessment in advance is important. There are many free, safe steps to take before you formally submit your personal information to the government. Working with the right attorney or organization, you will be certain to apply only if it benefits you.

Deportation is a huge fear for all undocumented immigrants, but DACA approval will allow you to finally live in freedom from that fear.

Even if my DACA application is approved, revealing that I am undocumented puts my undocumented family members at risk.

You don't have to use information related to your family members to get approved for DACA. We have ideas on how to get creative in the DACA application process in a previous blog post.

DACA is not the DREAM Act. It is not what undocumented immigrants want and I'm not interested in applying for something unless it has all the benefits promised in the DREAM Act.

We agree that current U.S. immigration policy is outdated and insufficient. We are hopeful that comprehensive immigration reform will arrive shortly, but there is really no way to know exactly when that will happen. Until then, DACA is the best legal option available for undocumented immigrants who qualify.

Once Congress finally approves a DREAM Act or similar legislation, approved DACA candidates will most likely be at the front of the line for approval for permanent resident status and full citizenship. A DACA approval will be an exceptional way to prove to immigration officials you are an ideal candidate for a more permanent status, and having documentation of your DACA application process can only strengthen your case.

Once I get my DACA approval, my current employer will fire me for providing false documentation and/or giving them a new Social Security Number.

We consulted with attorneys at MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund), one of the nation's leading Latino civil rights organizations, and they say that there have been no reports of employers firing approved DACA candidates because of their status. If you are employed in an at-will state, your employer is allowed to fire you at any time, for any reason, minus a few illegal exceptions. However, there are no documented cases of employers firing their employees for providing new personal information after initially providing illegal information to obtain the job. There are also no cases of employers going after DACA workers' families or seeking deportation once their undocumented status has been revealed.

We welcome you to speak to a VISANOW representative about any hesitations you or a family member/friend may have regarding DACA. You or a family member/friend could be just a few months from receiving Deferred Action, a work permit, and a valid social security number.

Take a very important step toward achieving your dreams in the US and contact VISANOW for your free DACA case assessment!