Timeline for Deferred Action Applications Following President’s Announcement

Contributed by Aaron Hall, Partner

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the agency that will be deciding applications for deferred action under the new programs announced by President Obama on November 20, 2014.  USCIS is not currently accepting applications but has announced the following timeline:

–Applications for deferred action under the newly expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be accepted beginning on about February 18, 2015. Applicants must have (1) entered the U.S. before turning 16, (2) resided in the U.S. since at least January 1, 2010, (3) graduated from high school or obtained a GED, or be actively pursuing their high school education or its equivalent in school, (4) not had any disqualifying criminal offense.

–Applications for deferred action for parents of U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents will be accepted beginning on about May 19, 2015. Applicants must (1) have resided in the U.S. since at least January 1, 2010, (2) have a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident son or daughter, (3) not have disqualifying crimes or otherwise be an enforcement priority.

While USCIS is not currently accepting applications, those who will want to apply should begin gathering evidence to support their applications.  Anyone who thinks he or she might qualify but has an order of deportation or voluntary departure from an immigration judge may need to take immediate action, even before USCIS begins accepting applications.

Call 303-297-9171 to set up a consultation to talk about your eligibility and the timeline for filing an application.

–Jeff Joseph explaining the impact of the President’s Announcement (VIDEO)

–Aaron Hall explicando el impacto del anuncio del Presidente (VIDEO en español)

–Amber Blasingame on the new policies and programs from the 11/20/2014 announcement