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For those that got themselves a lawyer, how much are you paying him/her for thier services to help you fill out the application? Just a good measure to see what you guys/girls are paying to help you fill out the applications.

Dream Relief Day will take place in Chicago on Aug 15th at 9AM at Navy Pier. http://dreamrelief.org/deferred-action-guidelines/ DEFERRED ACTION TRAINING DAY IN NAVY PIER, COORDINATED BY ICIRR For those of you who are interested, Enlace Chicago will take a bus to Navy Pier on Wednesday August 15th for the Deferred Action workshops. There will be two pick-ups: From the Harding Office (2756 S. Harding Ave) at 8:00 AM, and from the Troy Office (2329 S. Troy) at 8:30 AM. We will get on the bus at 2:00 PM to be back in Little Village at around 2:30 P.M. Join us! http://www.facebook.com/enlacechicag...28865667154955

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas and other senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials will hold a stakeholder conference call today to discuss Secretary Janet Napolitano’s June 15th Deferred Action policy memorandum. In accordance with the Secretary’s memorandum, USCIS will begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action on August 15, 2012. During the teleconference, Director Mayorkas will provide a brief overview of the development of the process by which certain young people who came to the United States as children may request deferred action and take questions. Please join U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas in a teleconference regarding the deferred action for childhood arrivals process on Friday, August 3, 2012 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm (Eastern). To Participate in the August 3 Conference Call Please use the information below to join the session. We recommend calling in 20 minutes prior to the start of the teleconference. Call-in Number: (800) 779-9654 Passcode: DHS

Last month, President Obama announced a ‘new immigration policy” by executive order: the immediate implementation of his version of the DREAM Act by the Department of Homeland Security. Advocates were ecstatic. They called it “the right thing to do, to give temporary legal status to those who had been brought into the country illegally by their parents at a young age through no fault of their own.” Many of the beneficiaries are Latinos. They number around 1.4 million, according to the Pew Research Center. They call them the “dreamers.” The press seemed to agree that the action was a political win for Obama. But the action is risky for Obama. It’s a wee bit too clever. It has every chance – probably sooner rather than later – to backfire, particularly on Latinos. Two reasons: First, the policy is nothing new. It’s always been possible to apply for and get temporary waivers from deportation, even at the last minute. These “waivers” got dressed up last fall as a new policy on “prosecutorial discretion.” Obama ordered Homeland Security to focus its limited resources only on deporting illegal immigrants who were convicted violent criminals or who had defied prior deportation orders. All others might qualify for a temporary waiver. Last month Obama pointed these possible waivers toward over a million dreamers. Second, the waiver is not a blanket for a specific group. Each so-called dreamer will have to apply and qualify individually for a temporary deferment. No one knows yet what proof Homeland Security will demand of each dreamer to show they were brought into the country by their parents unknowingly, illegally before the age of 16 and had lived here continuously for five years (school records will be critical). Further, it is unclear how many misdemeanors and felonies Homeland Security will allow an applicant to have, before dinging their deferral application (including driving without a valid driver’s license, buying and using false identity documents like Social Security and green cards, lying about immigration status for public assistance and having DUIs and other such indiscretions on the record). Many dreamers could actually be putting themselves in jeopardy of deportation after their applications are scrutinized, no matter how young or innocent they were when they first arrived. Especially if they had defied a deportation order. “We are advising dreamers who are not in deportation proceedings to do nothing until the deferment qualifications are made clear,” said the executive director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Crystal Williams, at a press conference days after Obama’s announcement. Immigration lawyers are also very concerned that scam advocates in the immigration communities might try to take advantage of eager dreamers. Obama’s dream could end up being a huge disappointment. Latino leaders already notice the current deferral process is vague and slow; there is already a huge backlog. They will find the case-by-case process untenable. They will demand (already have begun) more blanket and looser waivers – which the president cannot deliver. The high expectations can’t possibly be met. By summer’s end most Latinos will realize this is probably all the president can do to legalize some illegal immigrants. Passing amnesty legislation in Congress is highly unlikely before the election. It is even conceivable that Obama’s dream could take away any other effort to legalize illegal immigrants via a “comprehensive” reform bill before 2014. The best advocates probably can expect is that in the next two years, a few thousand of unquestionably qualified dreamers may be given temporary one- to two-year work visas under Obama’s dream. Those waivers may or may not be extended and lead to permanent residency. But what is even more likely is that hundreds of thousands of dreamers won’t even apply. Sooner rather than later it will be said that “once again Obama did not keep his “promise’ to Latinos” on immigration. Obama’s dream could backfire. Source: http://www.abqjournal.com/main/2012/07/30/opinion/obama-dilutes-a-dream.html

Don Lyster gives some good insight on the deferred action and confirming that there won't be an apeal process for undocumented students who try to apply. Good info tho. Read and comment! And please remember if you have your own articles you find interesting and would like to post it, feel free to do so. Don Lyster, director of the National Immigration Law Center’s Washington, DC, office, told VOXXI these type of scams have become “a very serious problem.” He pointed to a website where dreamers can go to report them: www.stopnotariofraud.org. He added that while more information is set be revealed this week, it is known that there won’t be an appeal process. This means that if an application is denied, that person will not have a chance to reapply. Lyster said he suspects dreamers, whose applications are denied, will be at risk of deportation only if they have a criminal record or commit fraud in the application. The absence of an appeal process, Matuz and Lyster agreed, makes it that much more important for dreamers to prepare for the application now while they wait for it to be released. Matuz said undocumented youth can prepare by collecting documents that show how long they’ve lived in the U.S. Some of those documents could include medical records, tax information and school documents such as diplomas, transcripts and even class photos. For males between the ages of 18-25, she recommends that they register with the Selective Service, which is required regardless of immigration status under federal law. Matuz said another important thing dreamers should do now while they wait is prepare to enter the workforce and set goals as to what kind of job they would like to obtain. “I know we’re going to want to get a job right away because we’ve been waiting for this for more than 10 years, but we need to actually sit down, work on our resumes and be ready to show the content of our character and our skills to get the job that we deserve,” she said. Lyster said he recommends that dreamers go through a background check to assure they don’t have a criminal history. Also, they should connect with an immigrant youth group, like United We Dream, so that they can stay informed on new developments about the deferred action policy. The group has a “deferred action guide” on its website. Lyster also advices dreamers to be on the lookout for forums and webinars that provide information about the new policy. His organization is among a coalition of other organizations that have partnered up to host such forums and webinars. Source: http://www.voxxi.com/new-information-on-deferred-action-for-dreamers-being-released/

So we now have our own acronym. Since deferred action itself was already an existing policy, this officially puts our cases under a brand new category: it's not just deferred action, it's deferred action for childhood arrivals. So know we can all start saying DACA and we will know what you mean.

Thanks to dreamrelief.org for this image. This helps you understand better if your able to apply for deferred action or not.

So, just like everyone else, IM MAD that they had to cancel it AGAIN. Obviously, they are not ready to talk about any new information because they don't have everything set in stone. This is what they had to say below. USCIS Public Engagement Division: Deferred Action Call Postponed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services sent this bulletin at 07/26/2012 02:14 PM EDT Dear Stakeholder, Today’s 4pm EST conference call on deferred action for childhood arrivals is postponed. We will let you know of the new date and time as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience. Kind Regards, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Dear Stakeholder, On June 15, 2012, Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a memorandum to DHS components on the exercise of prosecutorial discretion with respect to certain childhood arrivals on a case-by-case basis. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement invite interested individuals to participate in a joint national teleconference to provide further details and collect additional input regarding the implementation of Secretary Napolitano’s memorandum on Thursday, July 26 from 4pm – 5pm (Eastern). To Participate in the July 26 Conference Call: Please use the information below to join the session. We recommend calling in at least 20 minutes prior to the start of the teleconference. Call-in Number: 1-800-779-9654 Passcode: DHS This call is intended for stakeholders only. Members of the media should call (202)282-8010 with inquiries. Kind regards, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Source: http://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/USDHSCIS-4b27c5

An exceptional attorney friend of mine, Kimberley Best Robidoux of Larrabee | Mehlman | Albi | Coker LLP attended a question and answer session today at the USCIS San Diego District Office and has provided an outline of the discussion. District Director Paul Pierre spoke initially to provide information and then opened it up to Q&A from the stakeholders who had been invited to the forum. He stated that he was providing what "likely" will happen with regard to the process but that there are still 2 weeks before anything will likely be finalized. So, he said, take everything with a grain of salt. The following is a brief summary of the points that he hit upon: - Anticipated 1.4 million applicants, but that estimate keeps growing (initially started at 800,000) - Applications will likely be processed at the Service Centers and then forwarded to District Offices for interviews (if needed; e.g. criminal issues) - Currently hiring about 400 people for the Service Centers in anticipation of the landslide of applications to be filed - Service Centers nay be sending some work to the local offices for adjudication so that they can clean out their pipelines to be prepared for the DACA cases - 100% of cases will be scheduled for biometrics which means that the ASCs will become backlogged. This will impact the cycle time for N-400s and I-485s adjudicated at the local offices. Will cycle times be more than 6 months? Yes, likely. ASCs will need more machines and more contractors to handle the workload - Local offices are gearing up for training for what will be adjudicated at the local offices - Form - likely will be an I-821D. Cannot use the I-821 because it has a fee ($50). The fee impact study had only been conducted in relation to TPS and not DACA and not enough time to do a fee impact study before August 15th. So, if they make a "D" form, no fee will be required and no fee impact study necessary. Likely that they will do a fee impact study and charge in the future. - Biometrics fee will be charged ($85). - I-765 will need to be filed for EAD card and fee will be imposed for the I-765 form ($340) - Applications will likely be filed at lockbox (likely Chicago or Phoenix) and then an A file will be created - Receipt Notices will likely not be generated for 60-90 days because of the initial onslaught of cases they are expecting to be filed as of August 15th - Biometrics may likely not be scheduled for another 30 to 60 days following issuance of Receipt Notice - Likely that RFEs may be issued in a majority of cases - If I-821D is approved, the I-765 will then be adjudicated (likely to be adjudicated immediately after approval of I-821D so don't have to wait an additional 90 days). There is no 90 requirement to process the I-821D so the filing of an I-765 with the I-821D does not start the 90-day clock. EAD card will be granted for a period of 2 years from the date of approval of I-765. - As of yesterday, there will not be any appeal rights - Will ODA applicants be able to travel? Don’t know yet - What happens at the end of the 2-year Deferred Action period? Don’t know yet. - May be able to "waive" requirements for a government issued ID in some cases but as of now, the Mexican consulates are gearing up to aid people with obtaining birth certificates and issuing passports. Student IDs should list both last names for Mexicans so that it will be easier to assist with obtaining birth certificates and processing passport applications. - Residence requirement - continuous physical presence (in the aggregate) for 5 years - temporary breaks are okay - Apply for ODA concurrently with a VAWA or U or T case? Yes, but they will need to "marry" all cases together with the A file so the VAWA or U or whatever case may be delayed while adjudicating and/or inputting information for A file for ODA. Source: http://musingsonimmigration.blogspot.com/2012/07/obama-deferred-action-oda-trickling.html

If anyone can do it for us, it's Mr. Durbin. Comment below. Senator Dick Durbin on Tuesday expressed confidence that a bill providing a pathway to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants, even if challenged by a lawsuit, would eventually pass. “Some day, in the not-to-distant future, the DREAM Act is going to be the law of the land,” Durbin said in a speech at the Center for American Progress. “I hope to have the honor of attending many a naturalization ceremonies and watching each of these dreamers swear an oath of allegiance to the country they still call home.” His remarks come just about a month after the Obama Administration announced it would no longer seek deportation of some immigrants and allow them to apply for work permits. “These DREAMers are no longer whispering in the shadows,” Durbin said of the ramifications of the president’s action. Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) has said he intends to file a lawsuit to suspend Obama’s order, but Durbin dismissed that action as a threat. “We are lowering the priority here, we are saying we are not going to deport these [DREAM Act students], we will dedicate our resources to those that may be a challenge or problem for our future,” Durbin said, according to Roll Call. “That is a clearly recognized principle of law. Congressman King, we know where he’s coming from, and he can continue this if he’d like, but after all that we’ve been through and all these DREAMers have been through, a court challenge is not going to slow us down one bit.” The DREAM Act — short for the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act — would grant conditional legal status to people illegally brought into the United States as Children if they attend a college or join the United States military. Source: http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/illinois-durbin-dream-act-center-american-progress-speech-163597946.html

Pretty interested read. Read and comment below on what you think! AUSTIN -- President Obama's decision last month to grant deferred action to thousands of immigrants eligible for deportation is either illegal or humane, according to dueling statements released Thursday by members of Texas' congressional delegation. On June 15, the administration announced it would instruct the Department of Homeland Security to begin issuing work permits and grant relief from deportation to certain immigrants brought to the country illegally before they were 16 years old. U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, who has labeled a host of immigration polices aimed at focusing on deporting serious criminals over other offenders "backdoor amnesty," told Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano that the deferred action decision ignores "the rule of law." "The administration's amnesty agenda is a win for illegal immigrants but a loss for Americans," Smith told Napolitano on Thursday during a scheduled House DHS oversight committee hearing. "When illegal immigrants are allowed to live and work in the U.S., unemployed American workers have to compete with illegal immigrants for scarce jobs. With 23 million Americans unemployed or underemployed, this amnesty only makes their lives harder." Smith, the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, added that the move is a magnet for fraud. "Many illegal immigrants will falsely claim they came to the U.S. as children, and this administration refuses to take the steps necessary to check whether their claims are true or not," he said. House Democrats, however, said they would rally around the president and defend him against attempts to stymie the administration's powers. "We agree that you are on solid moral and legal ground, and we will do everything within our power to defend your actions and the authority that you, like past Presidents, can exercise to set enforcement priorities and better protect our neighborhoods and our nation," wrote U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill. The letter was also signed by U.S. Reps. Charlie Gonzalez, D-San Antonio, the chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus; Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo; Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston; Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin; Al Green, D-Houston; Gene Green, D-Houston; Ruben Hinojosa, D-Edinburg; and Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso. But Democrats also made it clear that they want more. "Despite this vital reprieve for a deserving group of promising individuals, we also understand that it does not diminish the need for a permanent solution and comprehensive immigration reform," the Democrats insisted. "Mr. President, we stand committed to fixing the broken immigration system once and for all, and we are ready to fight for a permanent solution that benefits all children and families, the economy, our national security and our nation." About 800,000 people would be eligible to apply for the work permits, according to Gutierrez's office. They are scheduled to be eligible starting next month. Source: http://myhighplains.com/fulltext?nxd_id=285332

They point out some pretty good things in this article. It's worth a read or just a skim through. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano assured lawmakers Thursday that deferred action for some qualified young illegal aliens would help the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) focus its limited resources on criminal threats. Moreover, DHS would implement the process of deferring immigration enforcement among some illegal aliens aged 30 or younger carefully to ensure that it is not subject to fraud and that it does not result in sanctuary for criminal aliens, Napolitano told a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee. Although the hearing marked the 40th time Napolitano has testified before Congress in her tenure as homeland security secretary, it marked her first appearance since her memorandum June 15 granting deferred action for a two-year period to young illegal aliens who committed no felonies or major misdemeanors and applied for the program. The two-year period is continually renewable so long as the immigrant does not commit any such crimes, Napolitano said. DHS officially will begin accepting applications from young illegal aliens seeking to defer removal or other enforcement actions on Aug. 15, Napolitano explained. The department hopes to finalize guidelines for the process by Aug. 1, she continued, although she acknowledged that DHS already has deferred action on about 1,000 young illegal aliens that qualify under the characteristics of the overall program. Napolitano described the deferred action for qualified young illegal aliens as a natural outgrowth of how DHS has set immigration enforcement priorities. In 2010, DHS set broad priorities to pursue criminal aliens and repeat migration offenders. In 2011, it clarified that immigration prosecutors and agents could exercise prosecutorial discretion to suspend administratively low priority enforcement cases against illegal aliens who posed no national security or public safety threat. The June 15 announcement specifically narrowed DHS focus further by providing relief for young illegal aliens who were brought to the United States by their parents under the age of 16 and who have lived in the country continuously for five years or more. These young aliens generally do not know their native countries and fit the profile of students who would be provided with permanent relief under the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act championed by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) Napolitano denied DHS was pressured into the decision by the White House and further objected to characterizations that the timing of deferred action was political in nature, given the upcoming presidential election and the Democratic Party's efforts to appeal to Latino voters. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), committee chairman, expressed skepticism that DHS would not issue further orders that would effectively provide a class of DREAMers with permanent residency and eventually citizenship, usurping the authority of Congress to pass or withhold such laws. DHS may plan to enact an advance parole program, whereby a class of people such as DREAMers under deferred action would essentially become permanent US residents, Smith said. Providing such relief to an entire class of people eventually would provide them with citizenship counter to the will of Congress. Napolitano assured him that DHS would not enact a blanket policy to do so, but that individual cases of qualified illegal aliens may be subject to advance parole. DHS still was in the throes of hammering out the exact process by which young illegal aliens would qualify for deferred action, Napolitano said, expressing doubt that they would have to submit a certified school transcript, despite Smith's insistence that it would be a good idea. Qualifying illegal aliens would have to prove their residency, and the guidelines stipulate they should be in enrolled in, or should have graduated from, high school. (Alternatively, they could serve honorably in the US military.) Read More: http://www.hstoday.us/briefings/today-s-news-analysis/single-article/napolitano-defends-deferred-action-on-immigration-enforcement-for-qualified-young-illegal-aliens/ecd08de19c0e8360128f77571f797e80.html