Today marks the one-year anniversary since the federal government began accepting applications for the deferred action program for undocumented youth who came to the United States as children. Thanks to President Obama and his administration, the lives of more than 430,000 individuals and their families have taken a positive turn in terms of their immigration status.
A total of 573,404 applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) consideration have been received since the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) opened the deadline for initiating the process on August 15, 2012.
According to figures provided by USCIS, this government agency received a total of 573,404 applications between August 15, 2012 and July 31, 2013. Of that number, USCIS accepted 552,918 applications for processing and rejected 20,486.
Of the 552,918 applications accepted for processing, 430,236 applications were approved and 7,450 were denied.
To date, appointments for biometric services have been scheduled for 540,821 of the cases.
Most of the applicants are of Mexican origin and live in California.
It is important that every person who is eligible for the deferred action program apply for the benefit.
It is better to have temporary protection from deportation than none at all. In addition, people who are granted deferred action will be able to have a work permit if they demonstrate that they have an economic need. By having a work permit, they will be able to apply for social security and a driver's license.
Do not be afraid to take calculated risks. Be sure to consult with an immigration attorney or a federally accredited representative before beginning the process.
Do not go to notaries, immigration consultants, paper fillers or multi-services.
If you have questions, call my office at 213-537-8472 to schedule a private consultation. The consultation is not free.
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