As of yesterday, August 15th, 2012, approximately two million illegal immigrants were given the opportunity to apply for the "deferred action program". A two-year temporary reprieve, this program will allow individuals to remain in the United States without fear of deportation. Additionally, by showing an economic necessity, these illegal immigrants can be granted temporary work visas. Below are the guidelines for Requesting Consideration of Deferred Action.
Pursuant To The Secretary of Homeland Security’s June 15, 2012, Memorandum, in order to be considered for deferred action for childhood arrivals, you must submit evidence, including supporting documents, showing that 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
- 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
These guidelines must be met for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals. USCIS retains the ultimate discretion on whether deferred action is appropriate in any given case.
It is important to note that if a person is caught falsifying documents in order to qualify for this program, this individual will be considered an "immigration enforcement priority" to the fullest extent of the law. In layperson's terms, it means that the immigration enforcement agency can "come at the offending individual with everything they've got." Violation will subject the individual to criminal prosecution and/or removal.
For more information on this program, its criteria, and the application process, visit USCIS at www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals.
About the Law Office of Jan A. Meyer
The Law Office of Jan A. Meyer was founded in 2011 in Dana Point, California. It was established to provide clients with committed and compassionate estate planning services to assist with asset protection and strategic goals. Our law firm provides a personalized and cost-effective alternative to large law firms or self-guided online forms. At the Law Office of Jan A. Meyer, families and individuals are guided through a series of decisions to build a plan that ensures their financial and personal legacy are protected when they are no longer able to care for it. Learn more at www.danapointwills.com.
