Expert Helps Clear Up Misconceptions
Suzanne Potter / California News Service
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Immigration advocates are speaking out to clear up misconceptions in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to block key parts of President Obama’s immigration policy. For now, the lower court ruling stands, which means his executive orders are on hold. One, called DAPA, would have given temporary work permits to parents of those here legally. The other would have expanded DACA, which helps people brought here as children. Aidin Castillo is a staff attorney with the Immigration Legal Resource Center, part of the nonprofit “Ready California.” She said the main thing to know – is that the so-called “dreamers” can still apply for the original DACA program.
“The original deferred action for childhood arrivals program, which was launched in 2012, remains available,” she said. “It’s in full effect. It was not affected by the Supreme Court’s decision.”
The program could, however, be rescinded by the next President. Castillo said quite a few people eligible for DACA still haven’t applied, and many wrongly believe you must be enrolled in college, when in fact many job training and adult education courses will suffice.
She also warns that people should be on high alert for “notarios” or other, possibly shady legal advisers who cannot represent anyone in court.
“Only go and get advice from trusted legal services providers,” she added. “That means an attorney or an accredited representative by the board of immigration appeals.”
Several other immigration options remain open, including the U-visa for people who have been victims of serious crimes.
