Did the Dreams of Undocumented Children Come True Today?

San Antonio, June 15, 2012 -- The Obama Administration announced today that qualifying undocumented children and young adults may be eligible for relief from removal from the United States (U.S.). Grant of this benefit can be made affirmatively or in removal proceedings.

Who qualifies?

As of today, June 15, 2012, relief can be extended to any person who:

1. Is between 15 and 30 years of age.
2. Entered the U.S. before the age of 16.
3. Has been physically present in the U.S. for five years as of June 15, 2012.
4. Has maintained continuous residence in the U.S.
5. Is not convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, or
multiple misdemeanor offenses, and does not pose a national security or public safety threat.
6. Is in school, has acquired a high school diploma or GED, or has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or Coast Guard.

What are the possible benefits?

1. Deferred Action for two years, with a possibility of extension
2. Work Authorization - Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

This program provides neither guarantee of approval of this request, nor (at present) any long term solution for the person's immigration status.

On Monday, June 18 USCIS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will have public information hotlines available for information on this announcement. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas will expand upon this announcement in a public engagement briefing also to be held on Monday.

You can also visit the Department of Homeland Security website for more information on the deferred action process.

USCIS - 1-800-375-5283
ICE - 1-888-351-4024

Contact Us

Our immigration compliance group looks forward to assisting you with any questions. If you’d like to discuss this deferred action announcement with one of our immigration attorneys, please contact Lisa Rios at (915) 541-9300.

About Cox Smith

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