The U.S. immigration system is broken. Politicians from both parties recognize this but have failed to legislate comprehensive immigration reform. In order to take the first steps toward fixing our broken immigration system, President Obama on November 21, 2014 laid out plans to offer temporary legal status, employment authorization and protection from deportation to millions of undocumented foreign nationals living and working in the U.S..
Although the government has not released the final requirements for eligibility, please find below general guidelines issued by the government. Antonini & Cohen will continue to post updates to this special website as they become available.
Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) Program
You may now be eligible for employment authorization and protection from deportation for a period of three years if you:
lack lawful immigration status – you either entered the U.S. without inspection or entered with a visa but have overstayed;
have been living in the in the US since January 1, 2010;
are the parent of a U.S. citizen (child or adult) or green card holder; and
have not been convicted of a felony or a significant misdemeanor
We expect the application process to open sometime in late winter or early spring, 2015.
Expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program
You may now be eligible for DACA if you:
entered the U.S. before the age of 16;
have lived in the U.S. continuously since at least January 1, 2010, (rather than the prior requirement of June 15, 2007);
are of any age (removes the requirement to have been born prior to June 15, 1981); and
meet all the other DACA guidelines
We expect registration for the expanded DACA to begin approximately February 19, 2015 (90 days after the President’s announcement) according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Applying for Deferred Action
Although registration will open in the coming months, you can start preparing today. Contact Antonini & Cohen to set up a consultation and meet directly with an experienced attorney who can answer your questions, confirm whether you qualify, and gather your information for registration. Call 404-850-9394 or click here to schedule your appointment.
Beware of scams!
Don’t be misled by notarios or other unauthorized consultants who may try to rip you off. The U.S. immigration process is very complicated! Even your friends and family may not know all of the details of DAPA and expanded DACA. Contact Antonini & Cohen for help. We practice U.S. immigration law exclusively and can help you with all your immigration matters. Call 404-850-9394 or click here to schedule your appointment.