OBAMA UNVEILS EVEN MORE IMMIGRATION BENEFITS
President Obama's speech on November 20th touched on only a few changes to immigration policies. Today, USCIS released even more changes. Some of the changes go into effect immediately, while others will take months to implement. Below is a list of changes that USCIS posted on its website. A full version can also be viewed at www.uscis.gov.
What has changed: Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
Obama's Changes include the following:
1. Persons over 30 years old can also apply for DACA, if they meet all other DACA requirements
2. Work permits will be valid for three years instead of two years. This applies IMMEDIATELY to all currently pending applications, and all future applications.
3. Applicants only have to show continuous presence from January 1, 2010 to the present (previously applicants had to show continuous presence from June 15, 2007)
Deferred Action for Parents (DAP)
Obama's Changes include the following:
1. Creation of this great program! It allows parents of US Citizens and parents of green card holders to apply for Deferred Action, which will give them a work permit.
2. Requirements are as follows:
Proof of living in the US continuously from January 1, 2010 to the present
Proof of being the parent of a US Citizen or LPR
Proof of no serious crimes (pass a background check)
Possible requirement of paying back taxes (this requirement is still unclear)
*Note: This program is scheduled to go into effect sometime in May, 2015. There is nothing that can be submitted at this time.
Provisional Waiver Program
Obama's Changes Include the Following:
1. Spouses, minor children, and children over 21 of US Citizens and LPR's can get a waiver without leaving the United States. Previously, only spouses and minor children of US Citizens could get this special waiver, and all other applicants had to leave the US to apply for the waiver.
*Note: This program could go into effect very soon. We are waiting for USCIS to make a final announcement.
Other changes:
President Obama has directed the federal government to make changes to the way immigrant visas are processed. This could mean that the backlogged waitlists for immigrant visas could be cleared up more quickly. Expansion of visas for skilled workers has also been discussed. Partial fee waivers for lower income LPR's seeking to apply for US citizenship could also become available.
You can read even more on this subject by visiting: www.uscis.gov or http://www.immigrationpolicy.org/special-reports/guide-immigration-accountability-executive-action