Raul Ray, Esq.
On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced executive actions that could benefit as many as 4 million undocumented people. Two of the programs include:
•Expanding the applicant population eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to young people who came to this country before turning 16 years old and have been present since January 1, 2010, and extending the period of DACA and work authorization from two years to three years.
•Allowing parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been present in the country since January 1, 2010, to request deferred action and employment authorization for three years, in a new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability program, provided they pass required background checks.
Soon after the President announced expanded DACA and DAPA, Texas and 25 other States filed a lawsuit in federal district court in Texas to try and stop the commencement of the expanded DAPA and DACA. A preliminary injunction was granted by the federal court judge stopping the Obama programs from going forward.
The federal court judge’s decision was upheld on appeal by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Federal government appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court. After much waiting and anticipation, the Supreme Court finally heard oral arguments on April 18, 2016, with a decision expected this June.
In the meantime, potential applicants for the expanded DACA and DAPA programs should start gathering the documentation to support their applications. For those with criminal convictions, it is important to consult with a qualified immigration attorney or established non-profit agency to determine eligibility before applying under either of these programs.
Our next article will cover specifically the eligibility requirements for DACA and DAPA and the supporting documentation needed for each application process.
Follow us for the latest developments concerning the Supreme Court decision on DACA/DAPA
For more information please feel free to contact Raul Ray, Attorney at Law, at Law Offices of Raul Ray, (408)279-5793, 1671 The Alameda, Suite 200, San Jose, CA 95126. Email: raulray@deportationattorney.com
