Deferred Action for DREAMers

In wake of the Obama Administration's announcement (anuncio en español) that halts the deportation of some undocumented DREAMers, we are left with the question of how best to respond. While we celebrate the temporary relief from deportation for young people, we continue to urge the government to pass long-lasting, comprehensive immigration reform that treats immigrants with dignity and respect.

On August 14th, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released the process on how to apply for deferred action. The process is called "Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals." Deferred action does not offer a path to citizenship or amnesty.  If you believe you are eligible for deferred action, first consult this Warning on People Advertising Assistance.

In addition to information found on the USCIS website, there are two hotlines set up for those with questions about the Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals process:

• USCIS hotline at 1-800-375-5283, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• ICE hotline at 1-888-351-4024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(updated August 24, 2012)

Primary Resources

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) | Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de Estatodos Unidos

This department within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for processing deferred action applications. Their website has official information and forms needed to apply, as well as videos, flyers, and FAQ's.

Own the Dream | Unete al Sueño

Several immigrant rights advocacy groups worked together to form this resource. Own the Dream is a clearinghouse to find authorized legal help, and contains valuable information for those seeking to clearly understand the application process.

United We Dream

A network of youth-led immigrant organizations from around the country, they post user-friendly information about deferred action, as well as steps you can take to avoid notario fraud.

Immigrant Legal Resource Center

A legal resource center for lawyers and advocates. Helpful publications, such as the "Understanding the Criminal Bars" chart and FAQ.

Stop Notario Fraud | Pare el Fraude Notarial

A resource to help potential victims to recognize and end notario fraud.

Additional Resources

• Sojourners: Five ways you can help DREAMers find relief
• National Immigration Law Center:  Frequently Asked Questions | Preguntas Frecuentes
• Rural Women's Health Project, Fotonovela:  English | Español
• American Immigration Council: Frequently Asked Questions | Who and where the DREAMers are: A demographic profile of immigrants who may qualify for deferred action
• Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC): Resource page
• American Immigration Lawyers Association:  Resources on Deferred Action | Consumer Advisory: Don't Get Scammed!
• Asian Pacific American Legal Center FAQ's: Chinese | Tagalog | Korean | Thai
• PICO Network: Fact Sheet (English & Español) 
• Secretary Janet Napolitano's June 15 Memorandum
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) |  Inmigración y Control de Aduanas
• Letter from law professors assessing president's authority to grant deferred action to DREAMers

(Photo Credit: flickr/pamhule)