The June 15 policy announcement that the Department of Homeland Security will offer “deferred action” on deportation to individuals who qualify for the “Dream Act” — Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors — means some illegal immigrants younger than 30 who were brought to the U.S. before age 16 may be granted two-year work permits that can be extended indefinitely.
Last Wednesday, attorneys from several firms specializing in immigration law spoke to around 30 Hispanics in Dalton about the DHS decision. The meeting at the Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints included handouts from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and was sponsored by Harry B. Ray and Associates of Chattanooga and Kuck Immigration Partners in Atlanta.
Scott Ray with Harry B. Ray and Associates said the DHS announcement “could have a very large impact on the Latino community.”
“We certainly would want them to be aware of it and how it can help them (and) who would qualify for it,” Ray said. “The gist of this policy regards where focus should be and where it shouldn’t be on enforcing the immigration law on deportation. For example, (it’s) for people who came here as children who have contributed to society, who are trying to gain an education or have gained an education, who don’t have any serious (criminal) record. There’s no reason why such people need to be deported — (that’s) the policy of (DHS) and the White House.”
An AILA “consumer advisory” warned young immigrants about possible scams since applications for deferred action cannot be applied for until a DHS application process is finalized.
“We’ll see in the coming weeks and months as the policy unfolds what paperwork to fill out,” Ray said.
He was asked how the policy “dovetails” with the Dream Act.
“It’s very similar as far as people needing help,” he replied. “However, it’s very temporary help, and because it’s policy and not law it’s certainly subject to change. Perhaps it would change in November (given the presidential election), who’s to say?”
More information is available at the following websites:
• www.aila.org/deferredaction
• www.uscis.gov
• www.ice.gov
• www.unitedwedream.org
Local News
July 1, 2012
Attorneys give ‘deferred action’ advice
- Local News
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