Deferred Action For Parents
Deferred Action For Parents
Summary of Deferred Action for Parents (DAPA)
On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced new executive actions on immigration, which can be found on our “Executive Action” link.
The presidential executive order will allow parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in the country since January 1, 2010, to request deferred action and employment authorization for three years, in a new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability program, provided they pass required background checks
Previously, parents of U.S. citizen and lawful permanent resident children were not offered any relief of this type.
When can I apply for this benefit?
The Deferred Action for Parents program has not yet been implemented. However, USCIS has issued the approximate dates of implementation for the following:
- Implementation of Deferred Action for Parents of U.S. Citizen and Permanent Resident Children: Approximately 180 days from November 20, 2014, which is May 2015
How do I qualify for Deferred Action for Parents (DAPA)?
Although the program is not yet in effect, the President’s executive action has indicated that in order to qualify
The presidential executive order will allow parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in the country since January 1, 2010, to request deferred action and employment authorization for three years, in a new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability program, provided they pass required background checks
Here are the preliminary determinations that will help you in determining whether you qualify:
- Have been in the country since January 1, 2010
- Do not have a serious misdemeanor or criminal record;
- Must currently have a son or daughter who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (green card holder);
- You must be currently in the U.S.;
Please be advised that these are only preliminary qualification that may qualify you for this program. Please consult with a licensed and qualified attorney to help you with your determination.
What can I do now to prepare before the program starts and why should I?
First, consult with a licensed attorney to assist you in determining whether you qualify under the proposed guidelines.
After you have determined that you may qualify, you can begin to collect the documents that will qualify you under the proposed guidelines.
You can also begin to obtain all of your documentation in order to be prepared once the program is in effect. The documents that you can begin to collect are:
- Proof that you have been in the country since January 1, 2010
- Proof of U.S. citizen or permanent resident children
- Proof that you have no criminal record or your criminal record
You should begin to collect these documents and prepare in advance of the implementation of the program so that you can be one of the first to benefit once in effect. As many millions may apply under DAPA, having your documents in advance will avoid any unnecessary delays in filing once the program is effective in approximately May 2015.
You should immediately consult with an experienced attorney so that he or she can determine if you qualify under the proposed guidelines.
ADVISORY: Be aware of any “notario” or person who advises you that you can file for this program now. You cannot file with the documents with immigration service at this moment.
