DREAM Act approvals are starting to trickle in. Here is a copy of a recent application which was approved in approximately 5 weeks. It is representative of a typical case. A Mexican national entered the US without a visa fifteen years ago when he was a child. He graduated from high school and was working in the US without authorization. During his 15 years in the US, he had some minor court issues but nothing rising to the level of a serious misdemeanor. Now, with his approved deferred action, he is safe from removal for at least two years and may be able to work legally in the United States. If you are in a similar situation, we can help you. Contact us at 305-515-0613, by email at info@messersmithlaw.com or visit our DREAM Act website for more information.
DREAM Act
ApplyUSDreamAct.com Goes Live
The Messersmith Law Firm is now taking US Dream Act cases via our online website ApplyUSDreamAct.com. If you meet the following eligibility requirements, we may be able to help you obtain deferred action and a two year work permit.
- Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Came to the US before reaching his/her 16th birthday;
- Has continuously resided in the US since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
- Was physically present in the US. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of application to USCIS;
- Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
- Is currently in school, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, has obtained a GED, or is an honorably discharged veteran of the US Coast Guard or the US Armed Forces; and
- Has not been convicted of a felony, a “significant misdemeanor,” three or more other misdemeanors, or does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
The DREAM is on! Obama to grant deferred action and work authorization!
On June 15, 2012 the Department of Homeland Security formally announced that it will offer deferred action to “DREAMers.” This means that for millions of undocumented youths who entered the United States without inspection (no visas) as children can now obtain “deferred action” and work authorization from USCIS. Both individuals who are in removal proceedings (deportation) and those who are not in removal proceedings can apply for this benefit. Deferred action and work authorization will be valid for a two year period and can be renewed.
Eligible individuals must:
- Be 15-30 years old, and have entered before age 16
- Have been present in the US for 5 years as of June 15, 2012
- Have maintained continuous residence
- Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor or multiple minor misdemeanors
- Be currently in school, graduated or have a GED, or is an honorably discharged veteran
- The deferred action offer will be available to those in proceedings, as well as to those who apply affirmatively.
The DREAM Act is Back! (Maybe)
Senator Harry Reid has announced via his blog that he will add the DREAM Act a military spending bill later next week. In a statement, Senator Reid acknowledged that passage of comprehensive immigration reform is unlikely but that passage of the DREAM Act may gain traction in the House
The previous versions of the DREAM Act and American Dream Act would make certain undocumented students eligible for a six-year conditional permanent resident status upon high school graduation. These students could then apply to have the conditional basis of their permanent residence status lifted after completing at least two years of higher education or serving for at least two years in the US military.
The bills would also repeal section 505 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA), which requires states that provide the in-state tuition rate to undocumented students to provide the same tuition rate to out-of-state residents.
In the newest version to be proposed by Senator Reid, there are slight changes.