The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have begun accepting requests for consideration of deferred action on deportation of undocumented entrants who meet certain criteria. 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.
While it does not yet 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. The Obama administration is banking on this action to win the Latino vote.
The administration is cynically holding out the hope that he and a democratic controlled Congress can expand protections and rights to undocumented entrants.
Congressman Raúl Grijalva wasted no time in setting “community orientation forums” in Nogales and elsewhere where his staff will answer questions, while members of organizations accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals provide legal services to undocumented entrants.
Grijalva is facing stiff competition from Amanda Aguirre in the Democratic Primary. Aguirre says she supports a secured border. She supports an increase Border Patrol, National Guard, and Police presence on our borders to stop “all criminal cartels in their tracks.” She is opposed to amnesty for illegal immigrants, but does support a commuter guest work program. She advocates for a “fair, simple, and legal, path to citizenship.”
Grijalva is pulling out all the stops; from making almost weekly announcements of grant funding opportunities, to dishing out Grijalvalista coloring books to kids.
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.