President Obama announced a Deferred Action Process for Young People Who Are Low Enforcement Priorities. This means that people who came to the U.S. as children and meet the appropriate guidelines may request consideration for deferred action for a period of two years and would then be eligible for work authorization. If the applications are approved, the work permit can be renewed.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be 15-30 years old, and have entered before age 16
- Have maintained residence in the U.S. for 5 continuous years as of June 15, 2012
- Have not been convicted of one serious crime or multiple minor crimes
- Be currently enrolled in high school, graduated from high school, or have a GED, or have enlisted in the military
- Those who meet the criteria will be eligible to apply for work authorization for a period of 2 years and prevent their removal from the U.S. This offer will be available to those who have pending cases with immigration court, open deportation orders, as well as to those who apply with USCIS. Everything is determined on a case-by-case basis. We cannot guarantee that all requests will be granted. Remember: this new policy does not grant immigration status or pathway to citizenship. Only Congress can award these rights.