On August 3, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released important details about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process, which will temporarily allow some eligible youth to go to school and work without fear of deportation. The Immigration Policy Center (IPC) estimates that roughly 936,930 undocumented youth between the ages of 15 and 30 might immediately qualify to apply for the new program.
Communities across the U.S. are waiting for the request form to be released on August 15. The DACA program is designed for young people who are under the age of 31; entered the United States before age 16; have resided in the country for at least five years as of June 15, 2012; have not been convicted of a felony, a “significant” misdemeanor, or three other misdemeanors; and are currently in school, graduated from high school, earned a GED, or served in the military.
Jessica Burgos, 17, was 2 years old when her family arrived to the United States from Michoacán, Mexico. The Oakland resident graduated this year from high school and wants to attend San Francisco State this year to study law.
“I felt that finishing high school was more important than working,” she says. “I had been working very hard to get my education and I am going to be able to get higher education. I feel like I will be able to achieve more, to pursue my dreams and help my family out.”
Before DACA was announced, Burgos says she felt scared because she knew she could get deported.
“You always know what it is your situation, you are always thinking and I understand that very well.”
Jose Garcia, 20, also lives in Oakland and is also from a family with roots in Mexico.
“I arrived when I was 5 years old, I graduated from high school and I live in the Fruitvale area now,” says Garcia, who works in a restaurant and wants to become an aviation engineer.
“I feel like I will have more opportunities, I cannot wait. Now, I cannot really apply for a student loan for my college - I do not have as many opportunities as I want.”
Garcia’s brother and one of his sisters also meet the requirements and will be applying for deferred action.
“I am excited,” says Garcia. “I never feel discriminated but I cannot work in certain places – that bummed me out.”
Centro Legal in Oakland urges young people who believe they may be eligible for deferred action under the new proposal to consult a reputable attorney before applying for relief. Centro Legal will be holding immigration workshops in communities throughout the East Bay to assist families in assessing their eligibility for relief.