A recent policy change by the Obama Administration to allow certain young illegal immigrants to apply for "deferred action" would help these individuals delay deportation and work in the United States for a two-year period. The action is expected to impact many illegal immigrants across the nation, with Texas being one of the highest-yielding states for potential beneficiaries, according to a recent study.
The Migration Policy Institute released a report last month stating that as many as 1.76 million unauthorized immigrants who were brought to the country as children could meet the requirements for the new program. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was announced on June 15 and became effective on Aug. 15. Texas is expected to be the second-highest state for eligible immigrants with an estimate of about 210,000 potential beneficiaries, including those who are immediately eligible and whose who will be eligible in the future, according to the report. Texas follows California, which takes the first place with about 460,000 potential beneficiaries.
The institute's estimate is an increase from the 1.39 million illegal immigrants it originally estimated would benefit from the DACA program. The institute said it adjusted the number after the Department of Homeland Security updated its guidelines and stated that youth who did not have high school diplomas or GED certificates could apply for the program if they re-enrolled by their application dates.
Through the program, deferred action is available to unauthorized immigrants who came to the United States before the age of 16 and who were age 30 or younger when the June 15 announcement was made. There are also other requirements, including those relating to the number of years the individual has resided in the U.S. and certain education or military experience requirements. Those receiving deferred action, which is decided on a case-by-case basis, would have the option to extend or renew their two-year work authorization periods.
The Migration Policy Institute's report showed that of the 1.76 million immigrants who are eligible to apply, 72 percent of those individuals (or about 1.26 million) currently meet DACA's age requirements while 28 percent (or about 500,000) are expected to become eligible in the future. Of all the immigrants who are expected to be impacted nationwide, 74 percent (or 1.13 million) of them were born either in Mexico or Central America. Eleven percent of the individuals were born in the Caribbean and South America, nine percent in Asia and six percent in the rest of the world.
Immigration law firm Mathur Law Offices, P.C. in Dallas is available to assist individuals who believe they might qualify for deferred action. When dealing with your future, it is best to rely on an experienced attorney who can guide you every step of the way. One of our attorneys can help you determine your options and what will you need to complete your application. Contact Mathur Law Offices, P.C. for further assistance.