Press Release:Deferred Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 4, 2013

Contact: Edgar R. Cruz, edgar.cruz.908@my.csun.edu

                  DEFERRED ACTION U.S CITIZENSHIP FOR OUR CHILDREN
                     no more deportation for our children, instead work permits

United States has always been home to immigrants all over the world. Many migrate to the U.S to pursue better living conditions such as, freedom to practice their religion freely, to escape poverty, oppression, better employment opportunities, or simply to make a better life for themselves and their families. Unfortunately some immigrants were not allowed to follow their dream and deported back home until recently.

In June 2012 President Barack Obama announced that his administration would stop deporting undocumented young people and instead grant them temporary work permits. Immigrants will also  be allowed to obtain their driving license to be able to drive to school, work, or other areas. Each individual will be examined on a case-by-case basis to decide if they would qualify and allowed to stay in the U.S for a period of two years. On June 15^th 2012 Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security announced that effective immediately certain young individuals who were brought into United States as young children, and do not present a risk to national security or public safety and meet certain criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country. Napolitano emphasized the grant was not an immunity nor will it prevent any person from being deported.

Department of Homeland Security began accepting applications August 15, 2012. From the estimated 1.4 million people who could be eligible for the program. As of Thursday, January 17, 2013 only 407,899 undocumented young people had applied for deferred action, and 13,366 had been rejected. Some programs were offered to help undocumented student start the deferred action. Collier County Held a free deferred action clinic for young undocumented students who may qualify. The clinic provided free legal services in English and Spanish by certified lawyers to those who come.

In order for a person to qualify one must start by completing an application and have proof of residency in the United States. The undocumented student would be eligible if they have entered the United States before the age of sixteen, are under the age of 30 at this time, and have lived in the country for at least five years. The individual must either be in school, have graduated from high school or have a GED, or have been honorably discharged by the military.  A candidate can be rejected due to a felony or significant misdemeanor convictions or by being deemed a threat to public safety or national security.

The Obama administration has granted deferred action to 154,404 young undocumented immigrants, including more than 50,000 in the month of January, according to data released on Friday, January18, 2013 by the Department of Homeland Security.

After the two year period has passed each individual will be required to repeat the application process again. However, there is no guarantee if they will be allowed to stay for another two years period.