Halt to DREAMers deportation!

The Obama administration announced deportation halt for DREAMers citing the need to allocate enforcement resources to "high priority cases" rather than individuals who came to United States as children with no "intent to violate the law."

Who are the DREAMers?

• arrived in the U.S. under the age of 16
• present in the U.S.  since at least June 15, 2007
• under the age of 30
• currently in school, graduated fro high school, obtained a general education development certificate, discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces
• have not been convicted of a felony offense or a significant misdemeanor offense

How the DREAMers can benefit?

1. Individuals with Pending Removal Cases

• ICE should exercise discretion on individual basis by deferring action for 2 years
• Implementation process will start on August 14, 2012

2. Individuals NOT in Removal Proceedings

• USCIS will create a process for exercising discretion on individual basis by deferring action for 2 years for applicants who are at least 15 years old
• USCIS will accept applications from individuals with final order of removal regardless of their age
• Implementation process will start on August 14, 2012

The DREAMers will be able to apply for the work authorization once the deferred action is granted.
It is imported to note, however, that, the benefits will be granted for two years, and no permanent immigration status will be conferred on the  DREAMers.