Just today, August 3, 2012, Immigration held a nation-wide teleconference for immigration lawyers and advocates, providing new information on this program for DREAMers, and Aretz & Heise Immigration was there to capture all the details.

First, the basics. On June 15, 2012, President Obama and the Department of Homeland Security announced a new program for certain young people who were brought into the U.S. as children, known as DREAMers. Individuals who qualify for this program will receive what is known as “deferred action.” Deferred action means that, for two years, the DREAMer will not be placed in removal proceedings, and will be eligible for employment authorization. At the end of two years, the individual will need to reapply to remain in deferred action status.

One of the important things to understand about this program, now known as “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals,” or “DACA,” is that it is not a law. It is a program. DACA does not provide DREAMers with lawful permanent residency, citizenship, or a path to lawful permanent residency or citizenship. It does, however, provide recipients of the program with relief from risk of deportation, as well as work authorization, as long as the person is eligible, and has been approved under the program.

In order to qualify for DACA, you must demonstrate that you:

Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
Resided in the U.S. continuously for the last five years, up to the present (except for brief, casual trips abroad prior to August 15, 2012);
Are currently enrolled in school, have a high school diploma or GED, or are an honorably discharged veteran;
Have a clean criminal record (no felonies, serious misdemeanors, more than three misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security); and
Are not in lawful immigration status.

Now, the big news. Starting August 15, 2012, USCIS will begin accepting applications for DACA.

Aretz & Heise Immigration is prepared to help you every step of the way. We are now offering consultations to determine your eligibility for DACA. Starting next week, we will be able to give you a DACA Package so that you can get started!

We expect Immigration to be flooded with many applicants. We highly recommend that you contact us right away if you believe you are eligible for DACA, so that we can give you a consultation and get you started in the process! Call Denver immigration attorneys at Aretz & Heise Immigration TODAY to schedule your initial consultation at 303-495-2013.





Contact

Aretz & Heise Immigration

Phone: (303) 495-2013

Fax: (303) 325-3249

E-mail: [email protected]

Website: www.immigrationdenver.com