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Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

We Own The Dream

Toll-Free Hotline: (855) OWN-DREAM

We Own The Dream Website

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.

List of Events / Lista de eventos

List of events that are taking place across the country to help you walk through the application process.
Lista de Eventos que se están realizando a nivel nacional para ayudarlo en el proceso de aplicación.

Are You Elegible for Deferred Action? Es usted elegible?

Use this online tool to help you determine whether you are eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
Use esta herramienta online para determinar si es o no elegible para la acción diferida.

Legal Help / Ayuda legal

State-by-state listing of legal services.
Listado de servicios legales por estado

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
How do I file?
  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.

    Form & Instructions

    I-821D, Consideración de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia

    Propósito del formulario :Para solicitar que USCIS considere diferir acción caso por caso según los criterios establecidos en el Memorando de la Secretaria del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional emitido el 15 de junio de 2012. La Acción Diferida es una determinación discrecional que aplaza la deportación de un individuo bajo el ejercicio de la discreción procesal. Los individuos que reciben Acción Diferida no enfrentarán procedimientos de deportación ni serán removidos de los Estados Unidos por un período de tiempo específico. Los individuos presentando el Formulario I-821D deben también presentar el Formulario I-765, Solicitud de Autorización de Empleo y el Formulario I-765WS, Hoja Explicativa del Formulario I-765.

    más información

    I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

    Purpose of Form :To request that USCIS consider deferring action, on a case-by-case basis, based on guidelines described in the Secretary of Homeland Security's memorandum issued June 15, 2012. Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Individuals who receive deferred action will not be placed into removal proceedings or removed from the United States for a specified period of time. Individuals filing Form I-821D must also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-765WS, Form I-765 Worksheet

    Read more

    News & Alerts

    Immigration Summit

    Oct 4, 2012 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at the Kennedy Caucus Room, Russell Senate Buding, Washington, DC

    More

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    No More Promises

    We Don’t Dwell on Anger. We Act! LULAC Members, Take Action in Support of Immigration Reform

    Sep 17, 2009

    LULAC Applauds Rep. Gutierrez for Taking the Lead on Immigration Reform Legislation

    Today, hundreds of immigrant leaders and representatives called upon Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) to lead a strategy in the coming weeks that will get specific comprehensive immigration reform legislation introduced and moving through the halls of Congress.

    Apr 8, 2009

    LULAC Applauds New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson For Signing HB 428, Prohibiting Racial Profiling In The State

    The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights organization, is pleased that New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson signed House Bill 428 into law accompanied by LULAC leadership in Santa Fe yesterday.

    Other Resources

    Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

    Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services