In November, President Obama announced an executive action immigrant plan that will provide temporary relief for millions of immigrants living in the United States who fear deportation. It is estimated that around five million immigrants will benefit under President Obama’s new immigrant plan. One major component of President Obama’s immigrant plan is implementing a new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability program.

What is Deferred Action for Parental Accountability?

The Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program allows parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in the United States since January 1, 2010 to temporarily remain in the country. An eligible participant under the program can request deferred action to remove the fear of being deported from the country.

The DAPA program will also allow an eligible parent to apply for employment authorization, if the applicant passes a criminal background check. The employment authorization will initially be valid for three years.

Who Qualifies for the DAPA Program?

In order to apply for deferred action under the DAPA program, a parent must meet the following requirements:

• Has continuously resided United States since 1 January 2010;

• Must be a parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident born on or before November 20, 2014; and

• Must not be an enforcement priority for removal from the United States under Policies for the Apprehension, Detention and Removal of Undocumented Immigrants Memorandum.

Importantly, even if a parent meets the initial requirements for the DAPA program, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will process applications on a case-by-case basis. When processing DAPA applications, USCIS may consider enforcement priorities, including national security and public safety threats.

How Do I Apply for Deferred Action Under the DAPA Program?

USCIS is not currently accepting applications under the DAPA program. USCIS expects to begin processing applications about 180 days after President Obama’s announcement, which took place on 20 November 2014. In addition, USCIS has not published the application for applicants under the DAPA program, nor has USCIS identified what specific documents will be required for DAPA applicants.

Nevertheless, it would behoove parents interested in submitting DAPA applications to begin gathering documents that are likely to be requested. Specifically, eligible applicants will likely need to submit proof of their identity and evidence establishing that they have lived in the United States since January 1, 2010. Evidence may include credit card bills, lease agreements, bank statements, or gas, electric or telephone bills.

Currently, USCIS has not set a cutoff date for deferred action applications under the DAPA program, but this could change in the future. Therefore, all eligible applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Contact a Chicago, Illinois Immigration Attorney

If you have questions regarding the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability program or any part of President Obama’s executive action immigrant plan, an experienced Chicago immigration attorney can help answer all your questions. Katz Law Office, Ltd. employs a team of experienced Illinois immigration attorneys who can help you understand your rights under new the immigration plan and keep you updated on any changes.

Contact our Chicago immigration attorneys today for a free consultation. We have several offices located throughout Chicagoland area.