Udall Highlights Process for Individuals to Apply for Deferred Immigration Enforcement
Mark Udall highlighted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's new process, unveiled today, for immigrants to apply for deferred action for undocumented young people brought to the United States as children through no fault of their own as children.
“This is a historic day for upstanding young immigrants in America who, after years of waiting for Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform, have a way to move forward,” Udall said. “I have fought and will continue to fight to pass the DREAM Act in Congress so the president can sign and carve out an earned pathway to citizenship for hardworking students or those who want to serve our country in the military. Starting today, students can begin to apply for temporary legal status under President Obama’s deferred action program.”
Udall praised the president in June when he first unveiled his plan to focus the nation’s immigration enforcement efforts on dangerous felons and not non-violent youth brought to the United States as children.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, individuals may request consideration for deferred action if they:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Came to the United States before reaching their 16th birthday;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
- Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or their lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and,
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Individuals can call U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services via 1-800-375-5283 with questions or to request more information on the deferred action for childhood arrivals process, or visit www.uscis.gov.