Deferred Action for Immigrant Children

On June 15, 2012 President Obama, under executive action, changed Homeland Security policy to not initiate deportation of non-threatening illegal  immigrants who came to the United States before age 16. This process is know as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. Today (August 15) was the first day U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) began accepting requests for deferred action. 

Consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
In order to be considered for deferred action an individual must make a request to the USCIS. Per the USCIS, an individual may request deferred action for childhood arrivals if you: 

• Were under the age of 30 on June 15, 2012;
• Came to the United States before your 16th birthday;
• Have continually resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007;
• 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 prior to 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.

Additional considerations and answers to Frequently Asked Questions can be accessed here: http://1.usa.gov/LhQrYl.

Requesting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival 
Forms, fees and filing instructions for requesting deferred action for childhood arrival are available at the USCIS website.

Find resources and assistance through the Library's Hispanic Resource Center. Additional questions or requests for more information can be directed to 1-800-375-5283.