As most DREAMers know, the requirements for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) emphasize education as an integral part of the approval process. Applicants must:

• be currently in school,
• have graduated from high school,
• have obtained a certificate of completion from high school, or
• have completed their General Education Development (GED) certificate.

For the first 400,000 applicants, the education requirements do not appear to be a problem; of these, 47% individuals have already been approved, and the rest are pending biometrics appointments. Since the USCIS is very clear about the educational expectations, relatively few applications have been rejected due to these requirements not being met.

Most of us have heard that upwards of 1.8 million people are potentially eligible for deferred action. Although this is largely true, this number also lumps in the people who are not immediately eligible to apply, but who will be in the future - and this group makes up about 50% of the 1.8 million (according to the Immigration Policy Center).

This category includes:

1. those who are not yet old enough to apply, and
2. those who are old enough, but have not yet met the educational requirements.

Since a GED certificate is the only other option for those who were unable to complete high school, it can be a very important step in the deferred action process. However, in 2014, the rules about the GED test are changing - and this may not be in the favor of some DREAMers.

Starting in January 2014, the test (which in some states has not been comprehensively redesigned since 2002) will take a new angle to determine college- and career-readiness. This is mostly good news, since more precise and detailed testing means more highly-skilled and educated people in the workforce.

But DREAMers, as well as others who are looking to complete their GED certificate in the near future, have a few things to be aware of.

1. The new GED test will be taken on a computer, rather than on paper. For many people, this may not be a source of concern (and in some cases, it may actually be easier). But for others who are not tech-savvy, or who don't have basic computer and typing skills, this is another skill set they will have to manage in order to receive their GED certificate.
2. The cost of the GED test is expected to increase as well. While many programs to prepare for the GED can be taken for a reasonable fee (and sometimes even for free), the test itself has a cost associated with it - and this cost is expected to rise as the technological requirements for the test increase.
3. Some people are also anticipating that the new test will be harder than the old one. Developers are expected to increase the scope of the test to cover more material, as well as increase the emphasis on math skills. This may mean more or different studying techniques for those preparing for the GED test.
4. Those already in the GED process must complete the testing by 2014, or have to start over. If you have already begun the test-taking process, it's a good idea to finish up before the new year; otherwise, you will get stuck having to start from scratch. Since most people have already invested significant time and expense in the GED process, having to re-do everything is a very daunting task.

Since getting your GED certificate can, in some cases, be the only thing holding you back from applying for deferred action, now is the time to make your educational dreams a reality.

In a previous blog post, we discussed the multiple factors holding people back from their DACA applications; obtaining your GED may or may not be a difficult process, but we can promise you that it's worth it. Not only is it a prerequisite for your deferred action application, but it will most likely be a requirement when comprehensive immigration reform passes, as well.

What questions do you have about your GED? We are here to help you make sure that you are making the best decision for your future and your status in the US. Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.