Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) - What You Need to Know Following the New York Federal District Court Order

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA as it’s commonly known, has an often complicated history.  Because of this, it’s not uncommon to see news stories about DACA and there is a lot of information floating around the internet about DACA, which can make getting accurate information difficult.  Currently, in light of the ruling from the federal courts, the government has been ordered to open up the process for new applications for DACA once again.  Today, let’s try to distill some of that information down to the basics.  Before we do that, however, a warning, it is impossible to definitively state eligibility in a vacuum.  If you think that  you might qualify for DACA, your best route is to talk to a licensed attorney who regularly practices immigration law to have them look at your specific immigration history and to advise you about the steps for you to take.

La Acción Diferida para los que Arrivaron en la Infancia, o DACA como se le conoce comúnmente, tiene una historia complicada. Debido a esto, no es raro ver noticias del DACA y hay mucha información flotando en Internet sobre DACA, lo que puede dificultar el obtener información precisa. Actualmente, a la luz del fallo de los tribunales federales se ordenó al gobierno abrir nuevamente el proceso para nuevas solicitudes de DACA. Hoy, intentemos resumir parte de esa información básica. Sin embargo, antes hacemos la advertencia de que es imposible afirmar definitivamente la elegibilidad. Si cree que usted puede calificar para DACA, su mejor opcion es hablar con un abogado con licencia que practique regularmente la ley de inmigración para que revise su historial de inmigración específico y le aconseje sobre los pasos que debe seguir.

First, what is DACA?  DACA is not a permanent path to citizenship.  Only Congress has to power to reform immigration law and to create new paths to citizenship.  But, the President, or the Executive branch, can choose how to enforce the laws passed by Congress.  That is why DACA is a form of deferred action, because our government is saying “we are not going to take action to remove this class of people from the United States at this time.”  So, DACA is not a permanent solution, but it is a stop-gap that has and can continue to help many people who might not otherwise have a way to remain in the United States.  However, it is important to remember, this executive action, because it is not permanent law passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, can be revoked, which is why it is important to act without delay if you think you may qualify for DACA.

 Primero, ¿qué es DACA? DACA no es un camino permanente hacia la ciudadanía. Solo el Congreso tiene el poder de reformar la ley de inmigración y crear nuevos caminos hacia la ciudadanía. Pero el presidente o el poder ejecutivo pueden elegir cómo hacer cumplir las leyes aprobadas por el Congreso. Es por eso que DACA es una forma de acción diferida, porque nuestro gobierno está diciendo "no vamos a tomar medidas para sacar a esta categoria de personas de los Estados Unidos en este momento". Entonces, DACA no es una solución permanente, pero es una solución provisional que ha ayudado y puede continuar ayudando a muchas personas que de otra manera no tendrían una forma de permanecer en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, es importante recordar que esta acción ejecutiva, debido a que no es una ley permanente aprobada por el Congreso y promulgada por el Presidente, puede ser revocada, por lo que es importante actuar sin demora si cree que puede calificar para DACA.

Second, what are the minimum qualifications to apply for DACA?  There are seven requirements for DACA:

1. You must have been under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012
2. You must have come to the United States before your 16^th birthday
3. You must have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007
4. You must have been physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012 and must still be physically present in the United States when you file for DACA
5. You must not have lawful status in the United States, both now and on June 15, 2012
6. You must currently be in school, have a high school diploma or certificate of completion, have a GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or United States Military
7. You must not have been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

En segundo lugar, ¿cuáles son los requisitos mínimos para solicitar DACA? Hay siete requisitos para DACA:

1.  Tener menos de 31 años al 15 de junio de 2012.
2. Haber entrado a los Estados Unidos antes de cumplir 16 años.
3. Haber residido continuamente en los Estados Unidos desde el 15 de junio de 2007.
4. Haber estado físicamente presente en los Estados Unidos el 15 de junio de 2012 y aún debe estar físicamente presente en los Estados Unidos cuando solicite DACA.
5. No debe tener un estatus legal en los Estados Unidos, tanto ahora como el 15 de junio de 2012.
6. Estar actualmente en la escuela, tener un diploma de escuela secundaria o un certificado de finalización, tener un GED o ser un veterano dado de baja honorablemente de la Guardia Costera o del Ejército de los Estados Unidos.
7. No debe haber sido condenado por un delito mayor, un delito menor significativo, tres o más delitos menores, o representar una amenaza para la seguridad nacional o la seguridad pública.

Additionally, there are age restrictions which vary depending on whether you are currently in proceedings before an immigration judge or not.  If you are not in removal proceedings, you must be at least 15 years old when you file your application for DACA.  If you are in removal proceedings, you can be younger than 15 years old when you file a request for DACA. 

 Además, existen restricciones de edad que varían dependiendo de si se encuentra actualmente en proceso ante un juez de inmigración o no. Si no está en proceso de deportación, debe tener al menos 15 años cuando presente su solicitud de DACA. Si está en proceso de deportación, puede ser menor de 15 años cuando presente una solicitud de DACA.

Third, why seek DACA?  Seeking DACA may seem to be a risk.  After all, by submitting the required forms and documents you are giving immigration officials your contact information.  The benefit to DACA, and the intention behind the creation of DACA in 2012, is to bring people out of the shadows.  While you are under DACA protection, you will not be removed from the United States.  Furthermore, you will be granted work authorization, which opens the pathway to legally work in the United States, attend college, seek a driver’s license, and other benefits.  A warning, however, this does not mean that your DACA status is irrevocable.  If you end up with criminal convictions which disqualify you, for example, your status may be revoked.  Additionally, traveling outside the United States without receiving advance parole from immigration officials can cause you to lose your DACA status.

En tercer lugar, ¿por qué buscar DACA? Buscar DACA puede parecer un riesgo. Después de todo, al enviar los formularios y documentos requeridos se le está dando a los funcionarios de inmigración su información de contacto. El beneficio y la intención detrás de la creación de DACA en 2012, es sacar a las personas de las sombras. Mientras esté bajo la protección de DACA no será expulsado de los Estados Unidos. Además, se le otorgará una autorización de trabajo que le abre el camino para trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos, asistir a la universidad, solicitar una licencia de conducir y otros beneficios. Sin embargo, esto no significa que su estado DACA sea irrevocable. Si por ejemplo termina con condenas penales que lo descalifican, su estado puede ser revocado. Además, viajar fuera de los Estados Unidos sin recibir un permiso anticipado de los funcionarios de inmigración puede hacer que pierda su estado DACA.

So how do you file for DACA protection?  You prove your eligibility for DACA by submitting documents to show how you meet these requirements along with your DACA application, proof of your identity, and filing fee.  Putting together the evidence for DACA eligibility is where it is important to seek the assistance of a qualified attorney.  While a person does not have to be represented by an attorney to apply for DACA, an attorney can help you ensure that the documents are there to show how you meet every requirement and are assembled in a way that the immigration officer reviewing your request can clearly see your eligibility, and can advise you on issues such as criminal convictions which may make seeking DACA more difficult.

Entonces, ¿cómo se solicita la protección de DACA? Usted demuestra su elegibilidad para DACA mediante el envio de la solicitud, junto con documentos para mostrar que cumple con los requisitos, prueba de su identidad y tarifa de presentación. Para reunir la evidencia para la elegibilidad de DACA es donde es importante buscar la ayuda de un abogado calificado. Si bien una persona no tiene que estar representada legalmente para solicitar DACA, un abogado puede ayudarlo a asegurarse de que tiene todos los documentos para mostrar que cumple con los requisitos, de manera que el oficial de inmigración que revisa su solicitud pueda ver claramente su elegibilidad. El abogado tambien lo asesora sobre asuntos tales como condenas penales, que pueden dificultar la búsqueda de DACA.

What about the cost?  There are two costs associated with seeking DACA, what you pay the government to process your request and what you pay an attorney to advise and assist you in seeking DACA.  It is important to remember that filing fees, the amount paid to immigration services to process your application can change, so always check the current fees either on the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website or with your attorney when filing a request for DACA to ensure that you are paying the correct filing fee.  Currently, the filing fees are set at:

• DACA application form:                      $495
• Work Authorization request form:       $410
• Biometrics fee:                                     $85

¿Y el costo? Hay dos costos asociados con la búsqueda de DACA, lo que le paga al gobierno para procesar su solicitud y lo que le paga a un abogado para que lo asesore y lo ayude a buscar DACA. Es importante recordar que las tarifas de presentación o cantidad pagada a los servicios de inmigración para procesar su solicitud pueden cambiar, por lo tanto, siempre verifique las tarifas vigentes en el sitio web de los Servicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos o con su abogado al presentar una solicitud de DACA, para garantizar que está pagando la tarifa de presentación correcta. Actualmente, las tarifas de presentación se establecen en:

• Formulario de solicitud de DACA:                                        $ 495
• Formulario de solicitud de autorización de trabajo:             $ 410
• Tarifa de huellas digitales:                                                    $ 85 

The Law Offices of Russell S. Mainord are committed to providing quality legal services through our offices in Chattanooga, Grundy County, and Morristown, Tennessee.  We are one of the leading firms in Tennessee in the field of immigration while also offering services in criminal and family law matters and the drafting of wills, deeds, and powers of attorney through our general practice division of the firm.  We offer free initial, or first, consultations to new clients to determine your legal needs.  Currently, for persons seeking initial DACA applications, we are offering the following special through the end of 2020.  If you mention this ad, the legal fee, the amount our firm charges for our legal services, and you pay the balance in full upon signing the contract for legal representation with our firm, the legal fee is $750.  Our regular legal fee, for those who either do not mention this ad or who pay the legal fee across multiple payments, is $1,000.

Las Oficinas Legales de Russell S. Mainord están comprometidas a brindar servicios legales de calidad a través de nuestras oficinas en Chattanooga, el condado de Grundy y Morristown, Tennessee. Somos una de las firmas líderes en Tennessee en el campo de la inmigración, al mismo tiempo que ofrecemos servicios en asuntos de derecho penal y familiar y la redacción de testamentos, escrituras y poderes a través de nuestra división de práctica general de la Firma. Ofrecemos consultas iniciales gratuitas a nuevos clientes para determinar sus necesidades legales. Actualmente, estamos ofreciendo la siguiente oferta especial hasta fines de 2020 para las personas interesadas en solicitudes iniciales de DACA: Si menciona este anuncio, el monto que cobra nuestra firma por los servicios legales si usted paga el monto total al firmar el contrato con nuestra firma, la tarifa legal es de $ 750. Nuestra tarifa legal regular para aquellos que no mencionen este anuncio o que paguen la tarifa legal en varios pagos  es de $ 1,000. 

To contact the Law Offices of Russell S. Mainord to schedule an appointment to discuss your legal needs, call the following numbers:

• Chattanooga:               423-521-8472 (English and Spanish speakers available)
• Grundy County            931-692-8472 (English speakers available)
•  Morristown:                 423-839-1555 (English and Spanish speakers available)

 Para comunicarse con las Oficinas Legales de Russell S. Mainord y programar una cita para discutir sus necesidades legales, llame a los siguientes números:

• Chattanooga: 423-521-8472  (se habla Ingles y Espanol)
• Condado de Grundy 931-692-8472  (se habla Inglés)
• Morristown: 423-839-1555  (se habla Ingles y Espanol)

You may also email us at info@mainordlaw.com.  We offer both in person and telephonic appointments to provide flexibility and to protect the health and safety of all persons who have contact with our firm in light of current times.  We look forward to speaking with you about your legal matters, whether to seek DACA or to discuss whether other options may be available to you.

También puede enviarnos un correo electrónico a info@mainordlaw.com. Ofrecemos citas tanto en persona como telefónicas para brindar flexibilidad y proteger la salud y seguridad de todas las personas que tienen contacto con nuestra firma debido a los tiempos actuales. Esperamos poder hablar con usted sobre sus asuntos legales, ya sea para buscar DACA o para discutir si otras opciones pueden estar disponibles para usted.

Please click on the following link for a video The Law Offices of Russell S. Mainord attorney, Oscar Ruiz, filmed for Punto Latino about DACA:

Haga clic en el siguiente enlace para ver un video El abogado de Law Oficinas Legales de Russell S. Mainord, Oscar Ruiz, filmado para Latino Sobre DACA:

Punto Latino video on DACA

Due Process -- A Fundamental Right, Even for Immigrants

Just over a week to go until the 4^th of July and everyone is getting ready to celebrate.  But, what are we really celebrating?  Fireworks and time with family?  A day off?  Or, are we celebrating the principles for which our forefathers fought?

“Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere.  Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights and keep them.  Our strength in our unity of purpose.  To that high concept there can be no end save victory.” Franklin D. Roosevelt.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  Powerful words from men who were facing the birth of one nation while leaving another.  Our founders also recognized the importance of protecting the rights of people by not allowing a person’s life, liberty, or freedom to be taken away without due process of law.  It is on this point that it seems the interpretation among everyone who has been expressing opinions about the immigration debate seems to diverge.

First, a historical note with regard to interpretation.  Due process is protected through two constitutional amendments.  The first, with regard to actions by the federal government, is controlled by the Fifth Amendment.  The second, with regard to state action, is controlled by the Fourteenth Amendment.  Importantly, neither amendment restricts due process rights to citizens.  Rather, they both state that “no person shall be deprived.”

What does that mean with regard to today’s situation?  It means that our government must afford certain protections when detaining or otherwise affecting the lives of immigrants.  As Black’s Law Dictionary explains, due process requires that a person be given “an opportunity to be heard and to enforce and protect his [or her] rights before a court having power to hear and determine the case … [a]side from all else, ‘due process’ means fundamental fairness and substantial justice.”  But, wait, many will say, they entered illegally, they shouldn’t have as many rights.  Our federal courts, charged by the Constitution with interpreting our laws, have ruled differently.  “As old as the first immigration laws of this country is the recognition that non-citizens, even if illegally present in the United States, are "persons" entitled to the Fifth Amendment right of due process in deportation proceedings; once an alien lawfully enters and resides in this country he becomes invested with the rights guaranteed by the Constitution to all people within our borders. Such rights include those protected by the First and Fifth Amendments and by the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. None of these provisions acknowledges any distinction between citizens and resident aliens. They extend their inalienable privileges to all ‘persons’ and guard against any encroachment on those rights by federal or state authority.”  Detroit Free Press v. Ashcroft, 303 F.3d 681 (6th Cir., 2002); see also Shaughnessy v. United States ex rel. Mezei, 345 U.S. 206, 212, (1953) ("It is true that aliens who have once passed through our gates, even illegally, may be expelled only after proceedings conforming to traditional standards of fairness encompassed in due process of law.") (citing Yamataya v. Fisher, 189 U.S. 86, 100-101 (1903) ("The Japanese Immigrant Case"); Wong Yang Sung v. McGrath, 339 U.S. 33, 49-50 (1950); Kwong Hai Chew, 344 U.S. 590, 598 (1953)

The United States Supreme Court has recognized that Congress has the power to regulate immigration.  But, importantly, it has also noted that such power is still constricted by the Constitution.  With regard to custody determinations of the immigrant children who have been separated from their parents, such a determination clearly violates the fundamental right to parent which has been recognized by the United States Supreme Court.  See Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000); Washington v. Glucksberg, 521 U.S. 702 (1997); Reno v. Flores, 507 U.S. 292 (1993); Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390 (1923).  The Supreme Court left no doubt in its recitation of how the fundamental right to parent had been protected throughout history: “It is cardinal with us that the custody, care and nurture of the child reside first in the parents, whose primary function and freedom include preparation for obligations the state can neither supply nor hinder.”  Troxel v. Granville, 530 U.S. 57 (2000), citing Prince v. Massachusetts, 312 U.S. 158, 166 (1944).  This is why for so many of us, the recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement is so concerning.  If a fundamental right that has been long recognized can be so easily trampled because “these people don’t deserve rights,” despite the fact that the Constitution and our Supreme Court have clearly stated that they do have such rights, how long until this trampling of rights extends to other classes of society?  As John F. Kennedy recognized, “the rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.”

To hopefully quiet the naysayers who want to take my statements about due process to mean that I think we should just open our borders, etc… I am not saying that we should not have an immigration process.  Yes, we need to have a system in place.  But, that system must follow the principles of due process and seek to protect fundamental human rights.  At its core, that it what America is about; that is what we celebrate every year on the Fourth of July.  “America is great because she is good.  If America ceased to be good, America will cease to be great.”  Alexis de Tocqueville.  Do you really want to make America great again?  That ideal is not built on military strength or how tangibly rich we are.  Our greatness, our richness comes from the ideals this nation was founded upon and which bear repeating from the beginning of this discussion.  “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”  Every discussion, every decision must be guided by those truths.  Without them, America cannot be great because it will have strayed from its purpose. 

In a case decided today, Sessions v. Dimaya, 584 U.S.____ (2018), 18 USC §16(b) has been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court as void for vagueness.  Specifically, the provision stated that “a ‘crime of violence’ [is] ‘any offense that is a felony and that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense.’”  The Court likened the situation to a previous case, Johnson v. United States, 576 U.S. 133 (2015), in which the Armed Career Criminal Act’s residuary clause was struck down because it “created ‘grave uncertainty about how to estimate the risk posed by a crime.”  Specifically, it required the judge to make an assessment based upon a possible situation “but provided no guidance” to what a crime’s “ordinary case was” as well as providing that same imprecise reasoning with no guidance to making a risk assessment.  The Court also dismissed the notion that the a less demanding vagueness doctrine should apply, quoting its own precedent in Jordan v. De George, 341 U.S. 223 (1951), “’’in view of the grave nature of deportation,’ the most exacting vagueness standard must apply.”  The Court notes that removal proceedings have become increasingly connected to criminal matters as convictions have become more significant grounds in placement into removal proceedings and qualifying for relief.  This changes the viewpoint of aggravated felonies in that there must be clarity about what conduct leads to a finding of an aggravated felony and not open-ended speculation.  Subsequent litigation on these issues will be of interest as this new standard is applied and will change the analysis and argument that must be brought to relevant cases.

Information on 3 Year Work Permit Recall

We have received questions about the recall of some 3 year work permits issued for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals ("DACA") recipients.  Upon reviewing the information provided by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services ("USCIS"), here is what questions we can answer for you.

1. Do all 3 year work permits have to be returned?
a. No.  The recall does not apply to persons whose work permits were issued and mailed before February 16, 2015.  It only applies to work permits issued or mailed following the injunction placed on the changes to the deferred action program.
2. What do I need to do if I received a work permit after February 16, 2015?
a. USCIS will be reissuing work permits with the 2 year authorization period.  Included with the new 2 year work permits will be instructions for returning the 3 year work permits.
3. What will I need to return?
a. You will need to return both the 3 year work permit and any related approval notices.
We will update information as it is released by USCIS.  If you have additional questions during this time, please do not hesitate to contact one of our offices.

Hemos recibido preguntas sobre la retirada de algunos permisos de trabajo de 3 años emitidos para la Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (“DACA”).  Al revisar la información proporcionada por los Estados Unidos Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración (“USCIS”), esto es lo que podemos responder a preguntas que usted puede tener:
1. ¿Todos los permisos de trabajo 3 años tienen que ser devueltos?
a. No. El retiro no se aplica a las personas que se expidieron permisos de trabajo y fueron enviado por correo antes del 16 de febrero de 2015. Sólo se aplica a los permisos de trabajo emitidos o enviados por correo después de la orden colocada sobre los cambios en el programa de acción diferida.
2. ¿Qué tengo que hacer si he recibido un permiso de trabajo después del 16 de febrero 2015?
a. USCIS va a volver a emitir permisos de trabajo con el período de la autorización de 2 años. Incluido con los nuevos permisos de trabajo de 2 años, va a ver instrucciones para como devolver los permisos de trabajo de 3 años.
3. ¿Qué necesito devolver?
a. Usted tendrá que devolver el permiso de trabajo de 3 años y cualquier aviso de aprobación relacionada a la petición.
Vamos a actualizar la información en cuanto se publique por el USCIS. Si tiene preguntas adicionales durante este tiempo, por favor no dude en ponerse en contacto con una de nuestras oficinas.

New Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Filing Date

A date has now been released for filings based upon the new Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) requirements.  The date for those filings to be effective will be February 18, 2015.

What does this mean from a practical standpoint?  If you think you may be eligible under the new guidelines, now is the time to contact an attorney to evaluate your case and assist you in preparing your application.

Here are the guidelines for the expanded DACA from the USCIS website:

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program
Who	Individuals with no lawful immigration status who are seeking initial or renewal DACA.
What	Extends the deferred action period and employment authorization to three years from two years, and allows you to be considered for DACA if you: Entered the United States before the age of 16; Have lived in the United States continuously since at least January 1, 2010, rather than the prior requirement of June 15, 2007; Are of any age (removes the requirement to have been born prior to June 15, 1981); and Meet all the other DACA guidelines.
When	February 18, 2015 (USCIS will not accept requests for expanded DACA before that date.)

OJ Simpson Trial - 20 Years Later - Impact On Criminal Law Practices

Perhaps one of the most widely publicized trials in recent history and certainly one which has shaped criminal justice practices and teachings.  I still remember my law professors covering this case and the discussion of trial practice and how it made such an impact on this case.

Perhaps the most defining item to note from this case is that the outcome of the case ultimately comes down to which side presents the most compelling story.  It is the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.  Here, there was enough reasonable doubt created for an acquittal.  This case also highlights that cases don't necessarily move quickly.  The trial itself in this case took over 9 months.  Sometimes the best strategy for a case is to be patient and let things unfold.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/13/us/oj-simpson-trial/index.html

What Does the President's Announcement on Immigration Reform 2014 Mean for You?

President Obama announced this evening that he will be putting forth executive action for immigration matters.  This action shall not grant permanent status, however, it offers temporary relief from removal from the United States for certain individuals and allow them an opportunity to work legally in the United States, “get right with the law,” and pay their taxes.

My comments below are not legal advice and should be taken to create an attorney-client relationship.  These comments are my opinion based upon the information that I have at this time and cannot be applied to each case individually.  The purpose of this post is to be informative for you.

Based upon the President’s statements, he seeks to give protection to individuals that are parents of United States Citizens or Lawful Permanent Resident children that have been in the United States for a period of five (5) years, I anticipate that this program will very closely model the program offered on June 15, 2012, which is referred to as DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.  However, this program will likely require the following:

• ·        Proof of physical presence in the United States for the previous five (5) years with the beginning date currently unknown;
• ·                 Proof of Good Moral Character including any court dispositions for any citations, arrests, or charges; and
• ·       Proof that the individual has children that are either United States Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents in the United States.  This may require showing marriage licenses, birth certificates, and proof of status documents.

It is likely that individuals convicted of certain crimes will be disqualified from this program.  Individuals having the following conviction criteria will likely not qualify:

• ·        Aggravated felonies;
• ·        Gang affiliations;
• ·        Three (3) or more misdemeanors;
• ·        Convictions for significant misdemeanors such as
• o   Domestic violence;
• o   Sexual abuse or exploitation;
• o   Burglary;
• o   Unlawful possession or use of firearm;
• o   Drug distribution or trafficking;
• o   DUI; and
• o   One with time in custody exceeding 90 days;
• ·       Those apprehended for violating the immigration laws and cannot establish that they have been continuously present in the United States since 1/1/2014;
• ·        Those that have abuse visa programs; and
• ·        Those with a final order of removal issued on or after 1/1/2014

For the disqualifying factors there may be ways to overcome those issues, depending upon many factors which will need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.

It is important that if you think that this executive action will apply to you that you schedule an appointment with an attorney and get started gathering your documentation.  Here at my office we are prepared to begin the process immediately, please contact our office to schedule a free consultation.

Update!  The executive actions by President Obama are being reported to include the following details:

For parents of U.S. Citizens and Legal Permanent Residents:

-        Have been in the United States for more than 5 years

-        Relief from removal for 3 years

-        Work permits will be granted to qualifying persons

DACA will be expanded:

-        Eligibility will be expanded to those who arrived as minors before 2010 instead of the current date of 2007

-        The requirement that applicants be under 31 years of age will be lifted

It is unclear when applications can be submitted; although the process of preparing the applications for filing with the government need to be started now.

There will be new deportation priorities, which have been highlighted in the blog post above and which will be discussed in more detail in a later blog post.  The new deportation priorities will make those who have been present in the U.S. for longer than 10 years a low priority absent other factors, such as criminal history.