Immigration Services

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. Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Deferred action does not provide an individual with lawful status.

Guidelines

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.
  

Age Requirements

Anyone requesting consideration for deferred action under this process must have been under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012. You must also be at least 15 years or older to request deferred action, unless you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order.

Path to Citizenship

There are some very exciting immigration law changes on the horizon.  In the meantime, H&H continues to represent undocumented immigrants in their efforts to obtain work permits and, eventually, citizenship.  H&H handles family based petitions as well as I-601A waivers.  If you have questions about trying to become a citizen of the United States, call us.

For more information contact us or visit www.uscis.gov