On November 20, 2014, President Obama broadcasted a series of executive actions for immigration relief.
|
|
There are three sections I will discuss in this article.
DACA
Expanding those eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to young people who came to this country before turning 16 years. Now more people will be eligible.
* Allows an individual born prior to June 15, 1981, to apply for DACA
* Requires continuous residence in the United States since January 1, 2010, not prior to June 15, 2007 as originally required
* Extends the deferred action period and employment authorization to three years from the current two years.
FOR PARENTS OF US CITIZEN & LEGAL RESIDENTS called DAPA (Deferred Action for Parental Accountability program)
Allowing parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been present in the country since January 1, 2010, to request deferred action and employment authorization for three years, , provided they pass required background checks
MORE PEOPLE WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR I-601A Waiver
Currently, only spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens are allowed to apply to obtain a provisional waiver. Expanding the use of provisional waivers of unlawful presence to include the spouses and sons and daughters of lawful permanent residents and the sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
When will USCIS begin accepting applications related to these executive initiatives?
USCIS expects to begin accepting applications for the expanded DACA program and the Parents program and the new I-601A waiver approximately 90 days after the President's November 20, 2014, announcement; and
What should you do while USCIS is not accepting applications.
Prepare...Prepare...Prepare!
Individuals who think they may be eligible for one or more of the new initiatives may prepare now by assembling documentation that establishes the basic elements such as their:
1. Identity;
2. Relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident; and
3. Continuous residence in the United States over the last five years or more.
For more information go to Apsanlaw.com and Drmoises.com
