Deferred Action for Certain Young Immigrants: Don't Get Scammed

On June 15, 2012, DHS announced that certain young people who entered the US before age 16 will no longer be removed from the United States. Qualifying individuals will be granted "deferred action" and be eligible for a work permit.

In order to be eligible for deferred action an individual must prove that he or she: 

1. Was under 31 years old on June 15, 2012
2. Came to the United States at the age of 16
3. Has continuously resided in the United States for at least 5 years before June 15, 2012, and was physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012.
4. Is currently attending school, has graduated from high school, has obtained a G.E.D. certificate or is an honorably discharged veteran of the US Armed Forces or Coast Guard.
5. Has not been convicted of a felony offense,significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise possessed a threat to the community or national security.

The government will inform the public how to apply within 60 days or by August 13, 2012. Until then anyone CANNOT APPLY for deferred action. You should not turn yourself in to start the process. 

However, you can begin gathering the documents that you will need.

1. Documents such as birth certificate or passport, showing age on June 15, 2012;
2. Financial records, medical records, school records, employment records, and military records that demonstrate an individual came to the US before the age of 16, and resides in the US for at least five years preceding June 15, 2012 and was physically present in the US as of June 15, 2012;
3. School records, including diplomas, G.E.D. certificates, report cards, school transcripts and other evidence of enrollment, or documentation as an honorably discharged veteran of the US Armed Forces or Coast Guard.

Request for deferred action will be  reviewed on a case to case basis, and not every young immigrant are qualify.

Source: AILA 

If you have any questions or need assistance with your immigration matter,
please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Sharlene Mae Bagon, Esq.
BAGON LAW FIRM
6700 Fallbrook Avenue
Suite 125H
West Hills, CA 91307
Toll Free: (888) 992-2466
Main Tel.: (818) 539-0120
Fax: (888) 589-0804
www.bagonlawfirm.com