Deferred Action for DREAM-Eligible Young People

Help for DREAMers – Deferred Action

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is now accepting requests for Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (Form I-821D). Those who qualify are young people who came to the United States as children, do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and meet other certain criteria. This page is here to provide DREAMers and their families with information and resources.

If you have any questions, please call my district office at (520) 622-6788. My staff is ready to help eligible DREAMers and their families navigate this new process.

What is deferred action?  

In June 2012, the Obama Administration announced that certain young undocumented immigrants may be granted relief from deportation through “deferred action.” Successful applicants are eligible for deportation relief for two years, which is subject to renewal. They may apply for employment authorization. These young people are commonly referred to as “DREAMers” because they would have been provided pathway to citizenship under the DREAM Act, which I strongly support.

Who qualifies for deferred action?

Individuals may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals if they meet the following criteria:

-  Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;

-  Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;

-  Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time; 

-  Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

-  Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;

-  Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and

-  Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

If you believe that you or a loved one meets these criteria, I encourage you to keep reading for further details on how to get help. 

How can I learn more about deferred action?

I recommend reviewing the following documents for further help:

• Click here to download the USCIS brochure on deferred action (PDF). 
This document provides a useful and succinct 2 page overview of the deferred action process and who may qualify.  I encourage you to read this document first to get more information.

• Click here to download USCIS Frequently Asked Questions (PDF). 
This document is more thorough.  If you still believe that you or a loved one may qualify, please read this for additional information.

Additionally, you can always get the latest on deferred action by visiting the USCIS web resource center at www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals.

Where can I get help?

My district office staff is here to help you in any way that it can by providing you with up-to-date information on deferred action.  Please call (520) 622-6788 for further help.  

In addition, you may visit the U.S. Department of Justice website for a list of recognized organizations and representatives that may provide assistance in filling out the application, reviewing your paperwork, and properly submitting your documents to USCIS: http://www.justice.gov/eoir/statspub/raroster_files/raroster_orgs_reps_state_city.htm#ARIZONA

Protect yourself from scams.

Please be wary of notarios who are taking advantage of young people by charging a fee to submit forms to USCIS on their behalf.  Visit www.uscis.gov/avoidscams for tips on filing forms, reporting scams and finding accredited legal services. Many local non-profits are planning to offer reduced fee or free services to eligible youth.

Deferred action application documents.

Please use the following links to download the necessary instructions and applications for deferred action.

Deferred Action

• Instructions: Consideration of Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals.  Download the PDF at www.uscis.gov/USCIS/files/form/i-821dinstr.pdf

• Application: Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.  Download the PDF at www.uscis.gov/USCIS/files/form/i-821d.pdf

Employment Authorization 

• Instructions: Application for Employment Authorization (I-765).  Download the PDF at www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765instr.pdf

• Application: Employment Authorization (I-765).  Download the PDF at www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf

• Authorization: Economic Need for Employment (I-765WS). Download the PDF at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765ws.pdf.