In late 2012, the Obama administration announced that certain young people who were brought to the U.S. as youth will no longer be removed from the United States or entered into removal proceedings. Eligible individuals can apply for deferred action and for an employment authorization document. The period for deferred action is two years and can be renewed. U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services has recently released guidelines on the DACA renewal process. Please Note: deferred action does not provide an individual with legal permanent residency (green card) or a pathway to citizenship.
In order to be eligible for deferred action, an individual must prove that he or she:
1) Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
2) Came the United States under the age of sixteen;
3) Has continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present;
4) Was physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of applying;
5) Is currently in school, graduated high school, obtained a G.E.D. certificate, or is an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard; and
6) Has not been convicted of a felony offense, significant misdemeanor, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security.
*Individuals must complete a background check, and be at least 15 years old at the time of applying (unless he or she is currently in removal proceedings or has a final order of removal).
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services will begin accepting applications NO EARLIER THAN August 15, 2012, the same day the required application is released. Call Aretz & Company Immigration TODAY at 303-495-2013 or click here to contact us and find out whether you are eligible!
However, in preparation of applying for deferred action, individuals should begin gathering the following documents:
– Documents showing age AND physical presence in the U.S. on June 15, 2012;
– Financial records, medical records, school records, employment records, and military records that demonstrate an individual came to the U.S. before the age of 16 AND has resided in the U.S. for at least five years preceding June 15, 2012;
– School records, including diplomas, GED certificate, report cards, and school transcripts, vaccination record card (usually yellow); and/or
– Documentation of status as an honorably discharged veteran .
Call Aretz & Company Immigration TODAY at 303-495-2013 or click here to contact us and find out whether you are eligible!