Tag Archives: Deferred Action

Immigration Reform News

New Immigration Form Announced for Dreamers Deferred Action

On August 3, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security announced that beginning on August 15, 2012, persons meeting the criteria below will be able to apply for deferred action and work authorization. They have created a new form for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). The form will be available on August 15.

The filing fee for both DACA and work authorization is $465. The filing fee must be made payable to the “Department of Homeland Security”.

You may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals if you:

Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

To be considered “currently in school” under the guidelines, you must be enrolled in school on the date you submit a request for consideration of deferred action under this process. If you have not graduated high school – enroll in school now!

Individuals may begin to request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals on August 15, 2012.

read new deferred action guidelines from USCIS

Immigration Reform News

Dream Act, Deferred Action and Work Permits — Are you eligible for new immigration policy?

On June 15, 2012, President Obama announced a new immigration policy that would defer immigration proceedings for young persons between the ages of 15 and 30 provided they meet certain criteria. The requirements are similar to the proposed Dream Act that has not yet been approved by Congress. The requirements are:

  • Must have entered the United States before the age of 16;
  • Must have lived in the U.S. for at least five years (since June 15, 2007) and must be in the U.S. on June 15, 2012;
  • Must either be in school now, have graduated high school, received a GED, or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the U.S.;
  • Must not have either a felony conviction, a significant misdemeanor conviction, multiple misdemeanor convictions, or be a threat to national security or public safety;
  • Must be under the age of 31.

The Department of Homeland Security will establish the process to apply for this deferred action before August 15, 2012. Additionally, anyone who has a case currently pending before an immigration judge or has already been ordered removed can also get deferred action for a period of 2 years. Anyone who receives deferred action can reapply at the end of each two year period.

You must put your paperwork together to prove that you came to the U.S. before the age of 16. This can be proven by school records, medical records, employment records, financial records, and millitary records. Documents to prove education include current school records, high school diplomas or GED certificates, report cards, college diplomas, or school transcripts. Military records include millitary personnel records, military health records, or a DD214.

A significant misdemeanor is a federal, state, or local crime that involves violence, threats, assaults, domestic violence, sexual abuse or exploitation, theft, fraud, DUI (alcohol or drugs), fleeing the scene of an accident, unlawful possession or use of a firearm, or drug distribution or unlawful possession of drugs.

A felony, for immigration purposes, is a federal, state, or local crime punishable by imprisonment for a period exceeding one year.

Multiple misdemeanors under this policy is conviction for three or more other misdemeanors not considered a significant misdemeanor.

Murphy Law Firm can assist in preparing and making requests for deferred action and applications for work permits. Call 610-436-7555 to schedule a consultation.