Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

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Own the DREAM is a national campaign to help aspiring Americans brought to this country as children take advantage of the opportunity to apply for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and work permits.

Webcast on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Wednesday August 15, 2012; 4:00 pm EST

Participants:
Robert Silvers, Senior Counselor to the Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Don Lyster, Director, National Immigration Law Center
Julieta Garibay, DREAM Educational Empowerment Program Consultant, United We Dream
Hector Sanchez, Chair, National Hispanic Leadership Agenda
Moderator:
Brent Wilkes, National Executive Director, League of United Latin American Citizens

Earlier this afternoon, USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas announced that the application for individuals that came to this country as children and are interested in applying for deferred action, is now ready for use. Individuals who seek deferred action can begin their application process starting tomorrow, August 15th. In order for applicants to be eligible for deferred action, they must submit an application that demonstrates, through verifiable documentation, that they meet all stated guidelines as set forth in Secretary Napolitano’s memorandum from June 15. Beginning tomorrow, August 15, applicants may mail their requests to specified facilities maintained by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once applications are submitted, determinations for granting deferred action for childhood arrivals will be made on a case-by-case basis using these guidelines.

In order to prepare the Latino community for what to expect during this process, LULAC will host a webcast today, Wednesday, August 15th, at 4pm EST. Representatives from the advocacy and immigration community, as well as representatives from the federal government will provide an in-depth walk-through of the three forms and associated fees required for all qualifying applicants. More information is forthcoming and will be posted as it is available.

Please also reference USCIS's dedicated site, www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals, or call the USCIS directly at 1-800-375-5283.

What is deferred action?

Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Deferred action does not confer lawful status upon an individual. In addition, although an individual whose case is deferred will not be considered to be accruing unlawful presence in the United States during the period deferred action is in effect, deferred action does not excuse individuals of any previous or subsequent periods of unlawful presence.
Under existing regulations, an individual whose case has been deferred is eligible to receive employment authorization for the period of deferred action, provided he or she can demonstrate “an economic necessity for employment.” DHS can terminate or renew deferred action at any time at the agency’s discretion.

What is deferred action for childhood arrivals?

On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization.
Individuals who can demonstrate through verifiable documentation that they meet these guidelines will be considered for deferred action. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis under the guidelines set forth in the Secretary of Homeland Security’s memorandum.

Can I be Considered?

Review Guidelines

1. You came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday
2. You have continously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time
3. You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
4. You entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012
5. You are currently in school, have graduated or obtained your certificate of completion from high school, have obtained your general educational development certification, or you are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States
6. You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat
7. You were present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS

1. Collect documents as evidence you meet the guidelines
2. Complete USCIS forms
3. Mail USCIS forms and fees
4. Visit your local USCIS Application Support Center for a scheduled biometrics services appointment
5. Check the status of your request online (USCIS.gov)

USCIS to begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action on August 15, 2012

Additional information regarding the announcement will be made available on August 15, 2012.
It is important to note that this process is not yet in effect and individuals who believe they meet the guidelines of this new process should not request consideration of deferred action before August 15, 2012.
Requests submitted before August 15, 2012 will be rejected.

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