Washington, Aug 15 - Today, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the agency will begin accepting requests, effective immediately, for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

On June 15, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines may request, on a case-by-case basis, consideration of deferred action.

"Today, thousands of young people, who came to this country through no fault of their own, can begin the process of applying for deferred action status through guidelines set forth by the Obama Administration,” Congressman Reyes said. “Some of these young people will go on to work while others will enroll in a college or university and yet others will go on to serve in our Armed Forces -- today these young DREAMers start a new life that encompasses fairness, justice and liberty.”

Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. USCIS will review requests and make decisions on a case-by-case basis. While it does not provide lawful status or a pathway to permanent residence or citizenship, individuals whose cases are deferred as part of this process will not be removed from the United States for a two-year period, subject to renewal, and may also apply for employment authorization.

“USCIS has developed a rigorous review process for deferred action requests under guidelines issued by Secretary Napolitano,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “Childhood arrivals who meet the guidelines and whose cases are deferred will now be able to live without fear of removal, and be able to more fully contribute their talents to our great nation.”

To learn more about the deferred action for childhood arrivals process, please visit www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals or call the USCIS National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.

"Let us help these young DREAMers pursue their calling as they begin this process that will forever change their lives and our country,” Congressman Reyes said. “I welcome this day and support this effort fully.”

For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit www.uscis.gov or follow USCIS on Twitter (@uscis), YouTube (/uscis) and the USCIS blog The Beacon.