Dreamers, start your engines! Hopefully, you’ve been warming up your engines since the announcement a couple of months ago that certain people might be eligible for deferred action and a work permit.
Well, the form is now available. Take a look at it here. It’s fairly straightforward. But if you know immigration like we know immigration, the tricky part can be in the evidence that is submitted to support your application.
How do you show you were here in the U.S. on June 15, 2012? Is your diploma dated June 16, 2012 enough to show that you were here on that day?
What about the continuously present over the past five year’s requirement. Easy enough for someone in school now or just graduated – transcripts would work. But what if you’re 29, work “under the table” and have no bills in your name?
Last (but not really last), what about criminal record history? DUIs, No O.L.s, drunk in public, trespassing. Are you still eligible?
The answer of course is “it depends”. Which is why an immigration attorney (NOT A NOTARIO!) needs to evaluate your case. There are gray areas and even if there are seemingly no gray areas in your case, it wouldn’t hurt and can only help to have an immigration attorney take a look at your case. Am I saying that because I’m an immigration lawyer, trying to get your business? Of course! In part. I tell people all the time that they can give it a shot on their own. But mostly I’m saying you should get an immigration lawyer (even if it’s not me) because I’ve seen and know the pitfalls of any immigration filing.
We are completely and totally excited about this opportunity for our clients and all of those people out there who might be eligible to get a work permit and perhaps more easily pursue their dreams. But before you hit the gas pedal, let the experts make sure the engine is all tuned up. There are a lot of us (immigration attorneys) out there willing to give a free consultation to make sure this very important application you’re filing gets you the benefit that you need and deserve.
Good luck Dreamers!