Topics: Deferred Action (DACA) Updates, Immigration Reform Updates, Immigration Blog
The USCIS originally estimated that a typical deferred action case would take about 4-6 months to process. In the beginning, many people were having their cases processed and approved faster than that, since the overall volume of applications was lower.
Once you have received your DACA work permit (Employment Authorization Card or I-766), you can apply for a Social Security number. The government will not automatically issue you a Social Security number so this extra step is your responsibility.
Since it was first proposed in the U.S. Senate in 2001, the DREAM Act (Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act) has held the promise of a better life for undocumented immigrants in the U.S. The special path to citizenship for DREAMers in the 2013 immigration reform bill is being proclaimed the "best version yet" with more immigrants standing to benefit than ever before.
Topics: Deferred Action (DACA) Updates, Immigration Reform Updates, Immigration Blog
Deferred action is a broad term used by U.S. immigration offices, and it can apply to many different individuals' situations. According to the USCIS, deferred action is (in general) "a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion.
VISANOW-retained attorneys have worked with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) applicants who have mistakenly believed that they entered the U.S. without permission.
We hear it every day: "I want to apply for DACA, but I'm afraid I'll be denied because I have a criminal record. What do I do?"
Last week, the Senate "Gang of Eight officially released their proposal for comprehensive immigration reform. Immigrants and immigration advocates are already discussing the possibility of a new path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, but it is important to remember that no new immigration laws have passed yet.
Topics: Deferred Action (DACA) Updates, Immigration Reform Updates, Immigration Blog
1.76 million undocumented immigrants are estimated to qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) since the bill was passed in June 2012, but a majority of those 1.76 million have not taken the steps to apply for this opportunity to live in the United States without fear of deportation. Many have not yet applied because of fears surrounding the application and approval process. We outlined many of the fears about applying to DACA previously on our blog.
