DHS Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival Process

Posted by Norka M. Schell, Esq. 
Law Offices of Norka M. Schell, LLC


The Department of Homeland Security today  provided additional information on the deferred action for childhood arrivals process in preparation for the August 15 implementation date. 


On June Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that certain young people who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines may be eligible, on a case-by-case basis, to receive deferred action. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is finalizing a process by which potentially eligible individuals may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals. 


USCIS expected to make all forms, instructions, and additional information relevant to the deferred action for childhood arrivals process available on August 15 2012. USCIS will then immediately begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action  for childhood arrivals. 


The information shared during today's call includes the following highlights:

1. Requestors - those in removal proceedings, those with final orders, and those who have never been in removal proceedings - will be able to affirmatively request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals with USCIS.

2. Requestors will use a form developed for this purpose

3. Requestors will mail their deferred action request together with an application for an employment authorization document and all applicable fees to the USCIS lockbox. 

4. All requestors must provide biometrics and undergo background checks. 

5. All four USCIS Service Center will review requests. 

It is important to note that this process is not yet in effect and individuals who believes they meet the guidelines of this new process should not request consideration of deferred action before August 15, 2012. 


Be aware of scam and unauthorized practitioners of immigration law. 


For more information, contact (212)564-1589.