Undocumented immigrants who demonstrate that they meet certain criteria will be eligible to receive Deferred Action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and will be eligible to apply for work authorization. This will apply to many people who would otherwise qualify under the DREAM Act.

1. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
August 15, 2012
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2. Outline
Today’s Dialogue Map…
• What is “Deferred Action”?
• Automatic grant of employment
authorization if approved?
• Basic Requirements
• Best Evidence to Meet Requirements
• Potential Issues
• Procedure for Filing

3. Deferred Action
• Deferred Action is a form of “prosecutorial
discretion”.
• Dept. of Homeland Security in its discretion will
consider “deferring” removal (deportation) of
certain childhood arrivals.
• Does not provide lawful immigration status.
• Basic requirements must be met.
• Requests for Deferred Action will be evaluated
on a case by case basis, based on “totality of the
circumstances”.

4. Employment Authorization
• Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765)
MUST be filed with Deferred Action Request.
• Overall fee includes employment application.
• If Deferred Action granted, employment authorization
will be granted if requester can demonstrate economic
need for employment.
• Form I-765WS—Worksheet to show economic need.
Must be submitted with I-765. No additional documents
required.

5. Requirements
• Entered the US before 16th birthday.
• Physically present in the US on June 15, 2012 when policy
announced and physically present in the US when
request is filed.
• Continuous residence in the US from June 15, 2007 to the
date of request.
• Under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012.
• At least 15 years old at the time of filing (unless in
removal proceedings or with final order of removal or
with voluntary departure/rules slightly different)

6. Requirements Continued
• Educational Requirements:
1) In school;
2) Graduated from high school;
3) Obtained a GED; OR
4) Honorably discharged veteran.
• Must not have been convicted of:
1) 1 Felony;
2) 1 significant misdemeanor; OR
3) 3 or more other misdemeanors.
And does not otherwise pose a threat to nat’l security or public safety.

7. Evidence
To Prove Age/Identity:
• Preferred—Valid Passport (or expired passport as along
as applicant is recognizable in passport photo)
• Valid or expired driver’s license
• Birth Certificate is evidence of age, but not identity unless
accompanies by a reliable photo id
Other possibilities—Problematic
• School ID with Photo
• National Identity Document with Photo from Home
Country

8. Evidence
Documents to Show Entry Prior to 16th Birthday:
• School records—official transcripts/report cards
• I-94 card or Passport with admission stamp if lawful entry
• Hospital/medical records
• Any other documentation Requester believes is relevant.

9. Evidence
Documents to Show Presence in the US on 6/15/2012
and
Continuous Residence 6/15/07 to present:
• School records
• Lease Agreements/receipts
• Utility bills
• Employment Records
• Hospital/Medical Records
• Bank Transactions
• Correspondence
• Tax bills
• Insurance policies …And Other Relevant Evidence

10. Evidence
Documents to Meet Educational Requirement
• School Records—transcripts; diploma, GED
certificate
• Any other relevant document

11. Issues
• Difficulty in producing identity document
• Difficulty in producing evidence to show entry prior to 16th
birthday and/or presence 6/15/2007 to the present.
– Affidavits alone not sufficient as evidence for most
requirements.
• Departures from the US from June 15, 2007 to present
could affect case. Have to disclose and trip must have
been brief.
• If request denied, no appeal or motion to reopen
allowed. (Refiling is possible.)
• Information about applicant, applicant’s family members
and guardians not routinely shared with Immigration and
Customs Enforcement for purposes of removal.
• Other grounds of inadmissibility—
•

12. Filing Procedure
• Form I-821D, Consideration for Deferred Action
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• Form I-765WS, Worksheet/Economic Need
• Check or money order payable to Department of Homeland
Security in the amount of $465
• Supporting Documents to establish age, identity, and all
other requirements.
• Mailed to lockbox in Phoenix, Dallas, or Chicago—depending
upon state of residence. Mailing addresses clearly posted
online.
www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals

13. After Request is Filed…
1. Receipt Notice Issued.
2. Biometrics Notice Issued.
3. If more information Needed, Request for Evidence
or Interview.
4. Follow USCIS Change of Address Procedures
immediately upon any move.
5. Decision—If granted, 2 year employment card
mailed to requester.
6. Renewals available as long as program is continued.

14. Questions for us?

15. Thank you for attending.
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