- A new form will be available on August 15. All DACA requests will require payment of the standard $85 biometric fee, but no additional fee will be charged. Persons who wish to receive work authorization must pay, with limited exemptions, the current employment authorization document fee of $365.
- Information provided on the form will be kept confidential, including information relating to applicants’ family members or legal guardians, meaning it will not be used for immigration enforcement proceedings, unless the applicant meets current USCIS criteria for referral to Immigration and Customs Enforcement or issuance of a Notice to Appear (NTA) in immigration court.
- DHS will deem “significant” any misdemeanor, regardless of the sentence imposed, involving burglary, domestic violence, sexual abuse or exploitation, unlawful possession of firearms, driving under the influence, or drug distribution or trafficking. In addition, DHS will deem significant any other misdemeanor for which an applicant was sentenced to more than 90 days in jail, not including suspended sentences and time held pursuant to immigration detention. Minor traffic offenses and convictions for immigration-related offenses classified as felonies or misdemeanors by state laws (e.g. Arizona SB 1070) will not be considered
My two cents . . . Remember, CIS is still not taking applications for this so don't send anything in now. Remember to consult a competent immigration lawyer about the pros and cons of exposing yourself to CIS just for a two year work permit before you decide to file anything. There may be other options that can lead to permanent residency that are more viable or suitable to you. Currently, deferred action only stays removal so is most likely to benefit those in removal proceedings who may qualify and deferred action does not lead to a green card. Deferred Action status and its application and associated programs can end/be lifted at any time by an incoming President. Please be careful and watch out for scammers!
