Chicago Immigration Lawyers Can Help DREAMers with Deferred Action

If you are an individual who either entered the United States without status as a minor or whose status has since expired, you have probably lived in fear of being discovered and deported. Moreover, you may have been denied access to certain benefits such as employment, education, or even a driver’s license. Since 2012, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has given thousands of people, often called “Dreamers”, an escape from fear of deportation. Individuals who meet the requirements for DACA can qualify for employment authorization and, in some instances, permission to travel abroad through “Advanced Parole.” Individuals with DACA have obtained the documentation necessary to access services and opportunities others take for granted. Since 1975, the attorneys of Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, P.C. have helped countless individuals navigate the immigration process to Chicago. We are informed of the latest immigration policy updates and stand ready to help those who qualify to take advantage of these developments.

DREAM Act in Chicago

The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a proposed piece of legislation that was first proposed in 2001 that would grant lawful status to thousands of undocumented individuals who first arrived in the United States as children. While there have been several versions of the bill, if enacted, the DREAM Act would provide some form of conditional resident status and would offer employment authorization to individuals who arrived in the United States as children and who meet other requirements, including good moral character and certain educational demands.

Unfortunately, Congress has failed to pass each version of the DREAM Act. To address this problem, in 2012, the Obama Administration announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. This program makes two-year renewable protection from deportation available to many individuals with certain eligibility criteria. DACA recipients are also eligible for Employment Authorization and, in certain circumstances, can request permission to travel abroad. Immigrants in Chicago, the Midwest, and elsewhere can take advantage of this program by filing a DACA request with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Although Federal Court rulings currently prevent USCIS from issuing DACA to initial applicants, individuals interested in this program can still file applications. More importantly, USCIS can still accept applications and issue renewals for individuals who currently have DACA.

To qualify for initial and renewal DACA applications, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
• Entered the country when you were younger than 16
• Lived in the country continuously since June 15, 2007, up to the time of the DACA application
• Have been physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012
• Have had no lawful status in the United States on June 15, 2012
• Are currently enrolled in school, or have graduated from high school in the United States, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or Military

In addition, you must not have been convicted of a felony or certain misdemeanors. Those who would have under DACA in Chicago can apply for deferred action by filing Form I-821D with USCIS. Our dedicated Chicago DREAM Act attorneys can help you understand the pros and cons of the deferred action program and submit the correct and complete documentation to get your application processed promptly.

If You Are Interested in Immigration in Chicago, Contact Us Today

The law firm of Minsky, McCormick & Hallagan, PC has spent nearly 50 years helping individuals and families confront all manners of immigration issues — from the simple and routine to the most complex. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand the process, gather the necessary documents, and submit the required forms. Call our Chicago, IL office at (312) 427-6163 or contact us online to discuss your immigration issue with an experienced and dedicated attorney.