Late last year, President Barack Obama announced an executive immigration action plan to provide deportation relief for millions of foreign individuals living in the United States without authorization. Two key parts of the executive immigration action plan include the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) policies. The expanded DACA program increases eligibility for deferred action for certain children who came to the United States. The DAPA program allows 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.

Family Defender Toolkit to Help Immigrants Protect Rights Under Plan

Illinois Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a staunch supporter of immigrant rights in the United States, wants to help immigrants understand their rights when and if the policies become effective. In this regard, Gutierrez is spearheading a group of representatives who have prepared a Family Defender Toolkit. The toolkit provides information about the eligibility requirements under the executive action immigration plan and the types of documents that individuals will need. These documents include a valid picture identification (such as a passport), copy of birth certificate, and copies of documents that showing entry into the United States before January 1, 2010.

Furthermore, a pamphlet also advises individuals regarding their rights if they have been detained or arrested. There is a card that can be cut out and used in case of an emergency. According to the pamphlet, individuals should present the card “only if you are arrested and detained by an immigration official.” The card will help explain that the individual should be released because the person is not a priority for deportation.

Gutierrez also recommends that individuals “select a trusted person to serve as an immigration emergency contact and to meet with local community organizations or legal service providers that can provide more information regarding immigration law and can assist in an immigration emergency.” At Katz Law Office, Ltd., our Illinois immigration attorneys can help you understand your rights under the executive action immigration plan and can defend you in deportation proceedings.

Notably, individuals cannot apply yet for the expanded DACA and new DAPA. Due to a recent court order, implementation of the new executive immigration plan is on hold. While the executive immigration action plan is currently on hold, Gutierrez wants to make sure that individuals are adequately prepared. While he hopes individuals will not need to use the emergency, Gutierrez said that “if you do, don’t be scared because you are prepared. Soon enough the DACA and DAPA applications will be available, and when that time comes you will have everything you need to apply.”

Contact a Chicago, Illinois Immigration Attorney for Legal Advice

If you have any questions regarding the new executive action immigration plan, we encourage you to reach out to one of our experienced Chicago immigration attorneys. In addition to deportation defense services, our immigration attorneys provide a variety of other immigration services, including nonimmigrant and immigrant visa assistance.