On August 15, 2012, the Department of Homeland Security opened up the application process for the “Deferred Deportation for Childhood Arrivals” program. This policy stems from the recent policies of the Obama Administration attempting to assist illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as young children. Essentially, the program offers a temporary reprieve from deportation to their home country in the form of a 2-year work visa for those who are under the age of 31. These individuals must also have a high school diploma and must prove that they do not have a criminal record.
Just 3 days after the opening of this application process, the Immigration Law Center of Minnesota held a community meeting at Green Central Park School in south Minneapolis to discuss the recently enacted application process. It was expected that only 200-300 people would show up to learn more about this program. However, as the meeting began there were more than 700 that filled the school gym.
John Keller, the executive director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, said in the meeting that the end result of going through this program is not for individuals to become permanent citizens of the U.S. “There’s no mechanism in the law for anybody who gets this remedy to become a permanent resident or have a permanent place in the line in front of people who are waiting,” Keller said.
The workshop was a valuable tool that assisted dozens in receiving information about their eligibility for the program and received general advice on how to begin the application process for this program. Those in attendance quickly found out that the application process has several hurdles and that it requires proper navigation to make their way through the legal thicket of paperwork and required documentation.
There are many who do not have the required documents and may be confused in understanding the details and requirements of the process. There are also those who will begin the process and may get into legal problems with dealing with their criminal past or not fully qualifying for the program. In any of these situations, Keyser Law Firm is experienced in both criminal and immigration law in Minnesota and can assist you in navigating your way through any immigration program. Contact us today for a complimentary, confidential and pressure-free consultation.
