As of Wednesday, young undocumented immigrants in Southwest Florida who want to stay here legally can apply for a temporary reprieve from deportation.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began accepting applications Wednesday under the new deferred action policy.
The program allows undocumented immigrants under the age of 31 to apply to stay in the country on renewable 2-year terms and to work legally and obtain a driver’s license. The Ave Maria University School of Lawis working with Legal Aid Service of Collier Countyto provide information for young people and their parents wondering whether or not to apply.
Alex Vernon, director of Ave Maria’s Asylum and Immigrant Rights Law Clinic, says the policy is no substitute for passage of the Dream Act.
“Although, I think it does show people what could happen if the Dream Act was passed,” said Vernon. “What kind of people could benefit from it, how it’s going to benefit our communities, our schools. There’ll be people that are going to be able to have work authorization who may be working already, but may be in a situation where they can work out in the open and be more likely to pay their taxes and demand safer working conditions.”
Authorities at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services have said the agency won’t be putting rejected applicants on the fast track for deportation, but that information from applications could be shared with law enforcement agencies.
For those who are considering applying, but have a criminal history, Vernon recommends first consulting with a legal expert.
“Immigration and Customs Enforcement has in the past said their priorities include people with prior removal orders, repeat immigration offenders and people with serious criminal issues,” said Vernon. “So if you have an immigration lawyer look at your situation and it looks like you may be one of those people that meets their enforcement priorities, this may not be a good process for you.”
Ave Maria and Legal Aid services will be offering evening information sessions on Deferred Action next Monday through Thursday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday evening’s session takes place at Immokalee High School and the remaining sessions will be held at Legal Aid Services of Collier County’s Naples Office location. For more information call Legal Aid Services at (239) 775-4555.
