Today, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) urges young people in El Paso, who meet the criteria set forth by Obama Administration regarding deportations, to attend a free information session at the Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services Inc. The sessions are held every Tuesday at 10 a.m. MT at the Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services Inc., 2400 A. E. Yandell Dr., El Paso, Texas 79903.

“For too long, these young people were being punished through no fault of their own. In many cases, they were denied the ability to seek employment, pursue higher education or join the Armed Services, but soon that will change, and we want to make every resource available to DREAMers during this process,” Congressman Reyes said. “I commend the work of the Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services as we begin the process of helping thousands of young people in El Paso, who were brought to the United States as children and do not present a risk to national security or public safety, to remain in our country.”  

Through administrative authority the Obama Administration, on a case-by-case basis, will grant deferred action and work authorization to young people who meet the following criteria:

• Came to the United States while under the age of sixteen;

• Have continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of the announcement and were present in the United States on that date (June 15^th, 2012);

• Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate (GED), 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;

• Are not above the age of thirty.

The Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services Inc. strongly urges potential applicants to seek the assistance of a Board of Immigration Appeals recognized nonprofit immigration program or a licensed attorney. They ask that you stay away from "notaries" and other unscrupulous entities or individuals who are not authorized to practice immigration law; and reiterate to NOT pay anyone to help you until the government announces that the application period has opened. It could be several months until applicants can apply with USCIS.

If you or a family member needs help with this the issue, or would like to contact the Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services Inc., call (915) 532-3975.