DHS Announces Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process
Earlier today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided further information regarding the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process in preparation for the August 15, 2012 implementation date. This follows the June 15th announcement by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, that certain individuals who entered the country as young children and meet other key criteria may be eligible to receive deferred action on a case-by-case basis.
The main highlights from today’s teleconference include the following information:
1. Requestors (consisting of foreign nationals in removal proceedings, those with final orders, and those who have never been placed in removal proceedings) may affirmatively request consideration with USCIS.
2. Requesters will use a specific form to request the relief.
3. Requesters will mail their request for deferred action along with an application for an employment authorization document (EAD) and the applicable filing fees to the USCIS lockbox.
4. Requesters will provide biometrics and undergo background checks.
5. All requests will be reviewed by four (4) Service Centers.
The announced filing fee is $465. Additional information, including the applicable forms and instructions, will be announced on August 15, 2012. Thereafter, USCIS will start to accept requests for consideration for deferred action for childhood arrivals. Requests submitted before August 15, 2012 will be rejected.
If you are interested in learning more about the DACA process, please refer to this brochure and flyer courtesy of USCIS. The MSA team will continue to provide timely updates on the DACA process.