On November 20, 2014, President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would not deport certain undocumented parents of U.S. citizens and parents of lawful permanent residents (LPRs), called deferred action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents ( DAPA ) program.
The president also announced Expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program for youth who came to the United States as children.
Under a directive from the secretary of DHS, these parents and youth may be granted a type of temporary permission to stay in the U.S. called “deferred action.” These programs are expected to help up to 4.4 million people, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
Eligibility for the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) program:
To be eligible for deferred action under DAPA, you must:
Be the parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Have continuously lived in the U.S. since January 1, 2010.
Have been present in the U.S. on November 20, 2014. It’s also likely that you will need to be present in the U.S. every day from now until you apply for DAPA.
Not have a lawful immigration status on November 20, 2014. To meet this requirement, (1) you must have entered the U.S. without papers, or, if you entered lawfully, your lawful immigration status must have expired before November 20, 2014; and (2) you must not have a lawful immigration status at the time you apply for DAPA.
Have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses, including any felonies and some misdemeanors.
Eligibility for the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:
To be eligible for the expanded DACA program, you must:
Have come to the United States before your sixteenth birthday.
Have continuously lived in the U.S. since January 1, 2010.
Have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or “be in school” on the date that you submit your deferred action application. See our DACA FAQ for more information about meeting the “be in school” requirement.
Have not been convicted of certain criminal offenses. See our DACA FAQ for more information
How do I apply? When can I apply?
Please wait for the USCIS announcement for the dates to begin accepting applications. The earlier date of February 18, 2015 announced to begin accepting Expanded DACA applications has been vacated.
Currently, USCIS is not accepting applications, which is expected to announced soon.
Please call out office for free applicant’s registration and learn the eligibility requirements and begin the process of collecting documents, so that you could be the first to file once USCIS announces the filing dates.
How do I apply? When can I apply?
Please wait for the USCIS announcement for the dates to begin accepting applications. The earlier date of February 18, 2015 announced to begin accepting Expanded DACA applications has been vacated.
Currently, USCIS is not accepting applications, which is expected to announced soon.
Please call out office for free applicant’s registration and learn the eligibility requirements and begin the process of collecting documents, so that you could be the first to file once USCIS announces the filing dates.
