Immigration Attorney: Deferred Action for DREAMERS

On June 15, 2012 President Obama announced his new policy regarding Deferred Action for DREAMERS.  Forms for the new Deferred Action Policy will be published sometime in mid-August 2012.  

This form of relief is aimed at helping the children of immigrants that entered the United States (U.S.) without a visa.  There are six qualifications the applicant must meet in order to qualify for this relief:

1. The applicant must have come to the U.S. before the age of sixteen (16).
2. Have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least five years preceding June 15, 2012 and were present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012.
3. Must be at least 15 years old.
4. Applicant must be in school, graduated from High School, obtained a GED, or be an honorably discharged Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces.
5. Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
6. Applicant must not be older than 30 years old (cannot have turned 31 prior to June 15, 2012).

Every person who applies for relief under this policy will be subject to a criminal background check to determine their eligibility.  For this reason, it is important to contact an Immigration Attorney prior to applying because certain criminal convictions will bar relief and render the applicant deportable.

Individuals who will be turning 30 years old near the date of August 13, 2012 are encouraged to contact an Immigration Attorney immediately so that they can apply for relief before they age-out of the program.​