On Tuesday, September 5, 2017, President Donald Trump had Attorney General Jeff Sessions announce

the end of Obama’s executive order DACA. DACA was put into effect by 44th President Barack

Obama.

DACA provided those who met the requirements protection from deportation and a work permit.

The USCIS announced they will no longer be accepting new applications for the program; however,
they will still be accepting renewal applications. If you hold DACA status and your status will
expire
after March 5, 2018, your time to renew is now! The USCIS will not accept any applications after
October 5th of 2017.

If your DACA status expires after March 5, 2018, you should consult a knowledgeable immigration
attorney for more information regarding your case and what steps you can take.

Deferred Action

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a new policy enacted on August 15th, 2012 to benefit
undocumented youth in the United States. The policy offers eligible candidates a pardon from
deportation and the opportunity to stay for 2 years with a work permit.

Deferred Action is a reaction to the failed DREAM Act and a milestone for DREAMers across
America.
Unlike the DREAM Act, Deferred Action unfortunately does not offer a path to a green card
(permanent
residence) or citizenship.

DREAM Act

The DREAM Act is a failed program of modern legislation that was intended to serve undocumented
young immigrants in the United States. The DREAM Act is an acronym for Development, Relief, and
Education for Alien Minors. The bill proposed to provide conditional green cards (permanent
residency) to undocumented youth who met certain necessary requirements such as having a high
school
education and having come to the United States before the age of 16.

President Barack Obama promised complete immigration reform during his second term in office.
Many
DREAMers are hopeful his heartfelt promises will result in a real venue to becoming legally
integrated into the United States.

How to Apply for Deferred Action

The Application for Deferred Action is Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for
Childhood Arrivals. As a part of the process, Deferred Action applicants are required to provide
documentation
as proof of eligibility requirements. These requirements are:

• You were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
• You were brought to the United States before your 16th birthday;
• You have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007 up to present time;
• You were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of filing
  your application;
• You are currently in school, have graduated high school, have obtained a GED, or are an
  honorably discharged veteran of
  the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
• You have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other
  misdemeanors, and do not otherwise
  pose a threat to national security.

How to Apply for Deferred Action

If you meet the eligibility requirements listed under the “Overview” tab, then you may file Form
I-821D for Deferred Action. The form will ask for mostly biographical information such as your
date
of birth and past addresses. Along with completing the form, you will have to provide
documentation
that proves you meet the eligibility requirements.

Listed below are all the requirements you must prove with documentation. Below each item there
are
examples of documents
that would fulfill the requirement.

• Your identity:
  • Copy of passport from your country of origin
  • Birth certificate with photo ID
  • School or military ID
• Proof you came to the United States before your 16th birthday:
  • Passport with admission stamp
  • School records
  • Travel records
  • Medical records
• Proof of immigration status (if you exceeded an initial legal time of stay)
  • Form I-94 Record of Arrival/ Departure
  • Order of exclusion or deportation
• Proof of Presence in the U.S. on and since June 15, 2012
  • Rent or utility bills
  • School records
  • Tax receipts
  • Date bank transactions

Deferred Action Work Permit

When Filing Form I-821D, you must also file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
and Form I-765WS, Worksheet. These forms will allow you to obtain a work permit authorizing you
to
legally work in the United States for a period of 2 years subject to renewal.

What if I used a fake social security number to work?

You do not have to provide USCIS with any fake social security numbers you might have used in the
past. According to USCIS, the only social security number you should provide is one that has
been
officially assigned to you. If you have not been assigned a legal and official social security
number, simple write “N/A” (not applicable) on the line that asks for your social security
number

What is unlawful presence?

Unlawful presence refers to the act of residing in the United States unlawfully – without a valid
immigrant or nonimmigrant visa. One of the benefits of Deferred Action is that once you are
approved
for the policy, you will not accrue unlawful presence for the 2 years the policy is valid.

How long does the application process take?

The application process for Deferred Action is estimated to take several months. Each application
is
considered uniquely which makes the processing time significant.

What is a misdemeanor?

For the purpose of Deferred Action, a misdemeanor is considered a crime for which the maximum
incarceration is less than one year. Insignificant misdemeanors such as traffic violations will
not
make you ineligible as long as you have 3 or less when applying.

A significant misdemeanor is defined as being related to domestic violence, sexual abuse,
burglary,
drug distribution
and the like. Having been convicted of a significant misdemeanor may make you ineligible for
Deferred Action.