Department of Homeland Security Announces Deferred Action Program for DREAMERS
On June 15, 2012, the Obama administration announced that it would immediately implement a process to allow deferred action for young people who can meet the following requirements:
- Came to the United States under the age of sixteen;
- Have continuously resided in the United States for at least five years preceding the date of this memorandum and are present in the United States on the date of this memorandum;
- Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
- Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety; and
- Are not above the age of thirty.
Deferred action when granted will be given for a period of two years and can be renewed pending the review of the individual's case. Work authorization will be allowed for those who can demonstrate an economic necessity for employment.
We will provide more details on the deferred action program as they are announced, which is expected within the next sixty days.
