*Also formerly known as the DREAM Act
New policy will grant qualified immigrants the opportunity to live free from fear of deportation and allow them to work legally. This exciting new development brings hope to immigrants and their families.
To qualify, an individual must:
- Have arrived in the U.S. when they were under the age of sixteen;
- Have continuously resided in the U.S. for at least five years prior to June 15, 2012 and have been present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012;
- Currently be in school, have graduated from high school, have a GED, or be an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces;
- Not have been convicted of a felony offense, a "significant misdemeanor offense," three or more non-significant misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety; and
- Have been under thirty-one years old on June 15, 2012
The deferred action offer will be available to those in proceedings, those with final removal orders, as well as to those who apply affirmatively.
Unlawful Presence Waivers
Certain aliens who are the spouses or parents of U.S. Citizens was now have a path to obtaining permanent residence that was no previous available.
USCIS is changing the process for filing and adjudication of certain applications for waivers of inadmissibility filed in connection with petitions filed by U.S. citizen for their spouse or parent. USCIS is amending its regulations to allow certain immediate relatives of U.S. citizens who are physically present in the United States to request provisional unlawful presence waivers prior to departing from the United States for consular processing of their immigrant visa applications. Currently, such aliens must depart from the United States and request waivers of inadmissibility during the overseas immigrant visa process, often causing U.S. citizens to be separated for extended periods from their immediate relatives.
