Deferred Action Applicants Only Need to Enter Official Social Security Numbers

Posted: September 18, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Accion Diferida, Deferred Action | Tags: , , , , , | 3 Comments

The I-765 and Social Security Numbers

More good news.  Deferred Action applicants who are filling out question 9 on the I-765, Work Authorization Application, DO NOT need to list and Social Security numbers that were not officially issued to them.

We understand that many of those who entered the US without inspection attempt to use a false Social Security number in order to work.  We have received many questions regarding this issue and how to answer question 9 in the I-765.  Previously, it was difficult to say since we wanted applicants to be as forthright as possible.  But every Deferred Action applicant is declaring themselves as having entered the country without inspection.  Using a false Social Security number in addition could have been a disqualifying factor.  We were advising clients on a case-by-case basis.  For example, we examined whether they had a criminal record or any other potential problems before we advised them on listing or not listing their Social Security numbers.

This ruling takes the issue off the table and makes it simpler to fill out the I-765 and to advise on the rest of the application.  We are glad to see this new policy take effect and hope that it attracts more qualifying individuals to apply for Deferred Action.

UnidosNow Monta Una Nueva “Conozca Sus Derechos” Sobre Accion Diferida

Posted: September 6, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Accion Diferida | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Organización pro-inmigración, UnidosNow, ofrece nuevo foro informativo sobre la Acción Diferida y la manera de solicitar. Va a ocurrir el 8 de septiembre, 2012 y habrá dos sesiones, a la 1 y las 4. La dirección del encuentro es 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34243.

Abogados de defensa criminal e inmigración, empleados de USF y representantes de UnidosNow presentatarán del tema de la Acción Diferida y responderán a preguntas.

El último encuentro así fue un éxito con mas de 300 personas en asistencia! Esperamos que venga tanta gente y más esta vez.

Conozca Tus Derechos Accion Diferida

El Evento Conozca Tus Derechos Accion Diferida

Those Granted Deferred Action Can Apply for Advance Parole!

Posted: August 30, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Accion Diferida, Deferred Action | Tags: , , , , | 1 Comment
Sarasota Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins

Sarasota Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins

The granting of Deferred Action does not lead to any status or path to permanent residence. However, the USCIS has stated that those who are granted Deferred Action will be able to apply for a travel document called “Advance Parole” if they can show a good reason for the need to travel (e.g. humanitarian, education or work related).

This is a potentially great benefit to those who entered without inspection (EWI) and are married to US citizens. EWI’s married to US citizens are not currently eligible to obtain their green cards in the U.S. They must apply from their home country. Usually the return to the home country triggers the 3 to 10 year bar.

But now, people who are “paroled” in the U.S. based on the advance parole documents ARE eligible to obtain their green cards in the U.S.

Therefore, a person granted deferred action who also receives an advance parole would be able to obtain their green card through their US citizen spouse in the U.S. within 3-4 months of filing and would not require a waiver application.

I do not advise anyone who is granted a deferred action to leave the U.S. with a travel document before first confirming that they will be able to come back to the U.S. In the coming months, we will see how this issue plays out.

Deferred Action-Why Hire an Immigration Attorney

Posted: August 15, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Accion Diferida, Deferred Action | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Sarasota Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins

We understand that many people would like to apply for deferred action on their own rather than take on the cost of hiring a lawyer. Deferred Action is a very new policy and it has the potential to help many people and we welcome all who wish to apply to do so as soon as possible.

We would also like to inform all potential applicants that if your Deferred Action application is denied, there is no possibility of appeal. This means that you only get one opportunity to qualify so please make sure that your application is as complete as possible.

While denial will not cause immediate placement into deportation proceedings – USCIS will not share information on Deferred Action applicants with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – there will still be a general risk of deportation. The fact remains, if you entered without inspection or overstayed your visa the government can place you in deportation proceedings at any time.

If you choose to apply on your own please be careful. If you choose to seek help please make sure that the person you ask for help is a genuine immigration attorney. Many “notarios” will offer to complete and submit an application on your behalf for a fee. They are not fully trained legal professionals and may be trying to defraud you.

Some may remember the provision of law Section 245(i). This policy allowed people who entered the country illegally or were otherwise unqualified for Adjustment of Status to ‘get legal” in the U.S. (through family or employment categories) by paying a penalty fee of $1,000. It expired in 2000, but Congress passed a short extension between December 2000 and April 30, 2001.

Many semi-legitimate institutions appeared overnight. These places filed many fraudulent or frivolous applications for a fee. Sometimes they charged a fee and filed nothing.

Do not endanger your chance to qualify for Deferred Action. Make sure that the person you hire to help you is an immigration attorney.

Related Articles:

New Employment Authorization Form to go with Deferred Action

Posted: August 14, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Deferred Action | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Jaensch Immigration Law Firm recently received a corrected practice advisory regarding the employment authorization form that will be filed with Deferred Action applications. The earlier procedure erroneously linked the Deferred Action application to the current Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and advised that this form should be filed concurrently with the deferred action application.  However, USCIS has said not to use the current form.  USCIS expects to make available a new employment authorization application form on August 15, 2012.

In Related News: Underestimating Deferred Action (from ILW.com)

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) crunched the numbers and apparently DHS and a variety of other outlets have been drastically underestimating the total number of people eligible for Deferred Action. The MPI discovered that the figures DHS projected were based on the number of prospective applicants that were enrolled in school or had graduated on the mid-June date of the program’s announcement and did not account for otherwise eligible people who could choose to re-enroll in school or an equivalency diploma program.
The MPI believes that this underestimate could be by as much as half a million people, bringing their new estimate to a total of 1.76 million people that will be eligible to seek Deferred Action and work authorizations. It is noteworthy, however, that not all of these people will be immediately eligible – many are 15 or under and will become eligible shortly, presuming, of course, they remain in compliance with the other conditions required of those who apply. The full demographic profile of prospective applicants can be found here. Does this new information change anything about Deferred Action in your mind?

Related Articles:

Deferred Action Requirements

Posted: August 7, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Accion Diferida, Deferred Action | Tags: , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Sarasota Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins

Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins offers answers to questions concerning the new Deferred Action policy.

As the date of implementation of the new deferred action policy draws near more details about requirements for the application are being released. I recently returned from a meeting concerning the requirements for  Deferred Action and wanted to share information from that meeting. There are still some questions and as we learn more we will add it to the blog. In the meantime, readers can go to www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals to find out more.

 Q: When will USCIS begin accepting applications for Deferred Action?

  • August 15, 2012.

Q: What will a Deferred Action applicant need to demonstrate?

  1. Applicant under age 31 as of 6/15/2012.
  2. Came to US before age 16.
  3. Continuous residence as of 6/15/2007 for 5 years and physical presence at time of filing.
  4. Entered without inspection or status expired prior to 6/15/ 2012.
  5. Currently enrolled in school, high school diploma, GED, or honorable discharge from military.
  6. Enrollment in school or GED can be after 6/15/2012 so long as it is as of date of filing
  7. Not convicted of felony, significant misdemeanor or 3 or more misdemeanors.

Q: How old can I be to apply?

  • Applicants must be over 15 to file unless in removal.

Q: Does significant misdemeanor include a DUI?

  • Yes.

Q: If I apply and am denied, will I be in danger of deportation?

  • No. Information on the application (including information on family members) will not be disclosed to ICE or CBP for removal purposes – in other words, applicants and their family members will not be placed in removal just because they apply and are denied for some reason. However, they will exercise prosecutorial discretion where there are issues of national security, criminal offenses, etc.

Q: What will the cost of applying be?

  • Total fee will be $465

Q: Can the fee be waived?

  • No fee waivers but there are fee exemptions for certain situations. Fee exemption must be requested prior to applying for Deferred Action (but not prior to 8/15)

Q: Will I need to get my fingerprints taken?

  • Yes, applicants will have to get biometrics.

Q: Will there be an interview?

  • There will be no interview, except in some cases were fraud may be indicated or for quality control purposes.

Q: If I apply and am denied can I appeal?

  • There will be no review or appeal of denials.

Q: Can I apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) at the same time?

  • EADs can be applied for at the same time as Deferred Action and will be granted also for two years. Must show economic need

Q: Can I renew my Deferred Action status?

  • Renewals of Deferred Action and Employment Authorization Documents will be available in two year increments

See these other articles for more information:

  1. “USCIS Aceptará Solicitudes Para Acción Diferida el 15 de Agosto”
  2. “Deferred Action Applicants Should Collect Student Records Now“
  3. “Sarasota Immigration Attorneys Welcome Deferred Action Announcement”

USCIS Will Begin Accepting Deferred Action Applications on August 15th

Posted: August 3, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Deferred Action, Sarasota Immigration News | Tags: , , | 3 Comments

From USCIS.gov

DHS Outlines Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals Process

USCIS to begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action on August 15, 2012

released Aug. 3, 2012

English: Seal of the United States Department ...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

WASHINGTON—The Department of Homeland Security today provided additional information on the deferred action for childhood arrivals process during a national media call in preparation for the August 15 implementation date.

On June 15, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced that certain young people who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines may be eligible, on a case-by-case basis, to receive deferred action.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is finalizing a process by which potentially eligible individuals may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

English: The logo of U.S. Citizenship and Immi...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

USCIS expects to make all forms, instructions, and additional information relevant to the deferred action for childhood arrivals process available on August 15, 2012. USCIS will then immediately begin accepting requests for consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals.

Information shared during today’s call includes the following highlights:

  • Requestors – those in removal proceedings, those with final orders, and those who have never been in removal proceedings – will be able to affirmatively request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals with USCIS.
  • Requestors will use a form developed for this specific purpose.
  • Requestors will mail their deferred action request together with an application for an employment authorization document and all applicable fees to the USCIS lockbox.
  • All requestors must provide biometrics and undergo background checks.
  • Fee waivers cannot be requested for the application for employment authorization and biometric collection. However, fee exemptions will be available in limited circumstances.
  • The four USCIS Service Centers will review requests.

Additional information regarding the Secretary’s June 15 announcement will be made available here on August 15, 2012. It is important to note that this process is not yet in effect and individuals who believe they meet the guidelines of this new process should not request consideration of deferred action before August 15, 2012. Requests submitted before August 15, 2012 will be rejected. Individuals who believe they are eligible should be aware of immigration scams. Unauthorized practitioners of immigration law may try to take advantage of you by charging a fee to submit forms to USCIS on your behalf.

Acción Diferida – Que son los requisitos?

Posted: July 13, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Deferred Action, Immigration FAQs | Tags: , , , | 2 Comments

Estos consejos proceden de UnidosNow, organización pro-inmigración de Sarasota.

OJO: Todavia no se sabe como va a ser el proceso para solicitar Acción Diferida. No se debe contratar a ningún “notario” que dice que puede entregar la solicitud para usted, esta mintiendo.

Aun asi, hay cosas que se puede hacer hoy para prepararse a solicitar accion diferida. Uno es sacar el Registro Escolar.

Parte del papeleo requerido para solicitar la accion diferida es el registro escolare.  Esto sirve para demostrar que usted o su hijo ha asistido a una escuela publica durante los ultimos años lo que ayudara a demostrar que usted ha residido en este pais.

Personas autorizadas para solicitar registros escolares:

  1. Padres de estudiantes de una escuela del condado de Sarasota
  2. Estudiantes ya graduados de una escuela del condado de Sarasota

Para los Padres

  1. Ustedes tienen que completar la “Solicitud de Registro del Estudiante”/”Request for Student Record” y marcar “transcript” y “attendance.”
  2. Usted puede enviar la solicitud por correo, fax o entregarla a la escuela a que asistira su hijo en el ano 2012-2013. Ojo, las escuelas primarias no tienen registros de estudiantes ya en secundaria. El registro acumulativo de cada estudiante se mueve con el estudiante de una escuela a otra.

Para los ex-estudiantes de una escuela del condado de Sarasota

  1. Si usted ya se graduo de una escuela del condado de Sarasota, tendra que completar la misma “Solicitud de Registro del Estudiante” pero, un su caso, hay que marcar “transcript,” “graduation verification,” y “attendance,” como los registros que se solicite.
  2. Luego tendra que enviar por correo, fax o entregar el formulario al “Centro de Retencion de Registros”/”Register Retention Center” en Osprey.

Las escuelas secundarias y el Centro de Retención de Registros solo estan abiertos entre lunes y jueves durante el mes de julio. Todas las asociaciones escolares de Sarasota estan cerradas los viernes durante el verano. Les recomiendo que soliciten su registro este mes. Puede haber numerosas solicitudes y las escuelas estarán muy ocupadas en el mes de agosto cuando el ano escolar empiece.  Los documentos serán procesados de forma gratuita.

Otros documentos recomendados para el proceso de accion diferida:

  • Cartas de aceptacion de una universidad
  • Becas y premios obtenidos
  • Records de trabajo voluntario, actividades extracurriculares y deportivas
  • Cartas de apoyo de un maestro, empleadores, amigos, etc
  • Los certificados de nacimiento de los niños

Para mas información sobre Acción Diferida vea:

  1. “USCIS Aceptará Solicitudes Para Acción Diferida el 15 de Agosto”
  2. “Deferred Action Applicants Should Collect Student Records Now”
  3. “Abogados de Jaensch Immigration Law Firm Reciben con Aprobación el Anuncio de Acción Diferida”

ABOGADOS DE JAENSCH IMMIGRATION LAW FIRM RECIBEN CON APROBACIÓN EL ANUNCIO DE ACCIÓN DIFERIDA,

Posted: July 12, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Deferred Action, Jaensch Immigration News, Sarasota Immigration News | Tags: , , , , , | 1 Comment

ADVIERTEN AL PÚBLICO DE FRAUDE POR “NOTARIOS”

Sarasota, FL – Abogados de Jaensch Immigration Law Firm recibieron con aprobación el anuncio reciente de la administración del Presidente Obama que inmigrantes jóvenes serán elegibles para solicitar “Acción Diferida” y la autorización de empleo. La política concederá a inmigrantes que son elegibles la oportunidad de vivir sin el miedo de ser deportado, y también les permitirá trabajar legalmente. Este anuncio lleva esperanza a inmigrantes y sus familias. Sin embargo, no es un arregló permanente, ni concede estatus legal permanente a ninguna persona.

Para ser elegible, un individuo tendrá que demonstrar que:

  • vino a los Estados Unidos siendo menor de dieciséis años de edad;
  • ha residido ininterrumpidamente en los Estados Unidos durante al menos cinco años antes de la fecha de este memorándum y está presente en los Estados Unidos en la fecha de este memorándum;
  • está asistiendo actualmente a la escuela, se ha graduado de la enseñanza secundaria, ha obtenido un certificado de desarrollo de educación general, o es un veterano que ha sido dado de alta con honores de los Guardacostas o las Fuerzas Armadas de los Estados Unidos;
  • no ha sido condenado por un delito mayor, un delito menor significativo, múltiples delitos menores ni representa una amenaza para la seguridad nacional o la seguridad pública;
  • no es mayor de treinta años de edad.

La acción diferida será disponible a individuos con casos en Corte de Inmigración, y también a individuos que solicitan el beneficio directamente con el Departamento de Inmigración.

La administración aun no está aceptando solicitudes para esta acción. En un plazo de sesenta días – en agosto – se espera que la administración de consejo e información sobre el proceso de solicitud para acción diferida y la autorización de empleo.

Si Usted no está en proceso de repatriación, NO solicite acción diferida en este momento. ¡Ojo con el fraude! Desafortunadamente, esta política puede abrir la puerta al fraude y decepción por “notarios.” En los Estados Unidos, los notarios no tienen la educación legal ni pueden actuar como abogado. Cualquier persona que dice que ya tiene la solicitud por acción diferida o que le pide honorarios para llenar una solicitud lo quiere estafar. El proceso para solicitar este beneficio no comienza hasta que sea anunciado por el gobierno federal. Su caso puede ser retrasado por causa de un notario, resultando en castigos, hasta deportación.

“¡Ten cuidado! No se ponga en peligro de ser descalificado por esta acción,” dijo Victoria Jeansch, una de los abogados de Jaensch Immigration Law Firm. “Asegúrase de que Usted hable con un abogado autorizado quien puede ayudarle con la solicitud y garantizar que Usted tiene la mejor posibilidad de beneficiarse de esta acción.”

Para más información, póngase en contacto con Jaensch Immigration Law Firm (941) 366-9841. Para más información sobre el anuncio, visite a www.aila.org/dream. También puede visitar www.ailalawyer.com para encontrar un abogado autorizado en su área.

Come out Tonight to the UnidosNow Forum on Deferred Action

Posted: July 12, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Deferred Action, Jaensch Immigration News, Sarasota Immigration News | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

A representative from Jaensch Immigration Law Firm will be speaking at the event as well as many other local immigration experts.  Tonight from 7-8pm at 1750 17th St.

UnidosNow Deferred Action Forum Flyer

More Deferred Action Announcement Q&A

Posted: June 26, 2012 | Author: | Filed under: Deferred Action, Immigration FAQs | Tags: , , , , , | 2 Comments

There are thousands of people who will benefit from the new Deferred Action policy. Until the regulations and rules regarding the program are released in 60 days or so, we urge you to use this time to collect documents that will help prepare your case.

DO NOT apply without getting your criminal history (including juvenile delinquency adjudications) reviewed FIRST.  The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will conduct background checks, collect information from local law enforcement, and examine your criminal history, including arrest records and criminal warrants.  You risk having DHS and/or ICE detain and deport you, if you apply for deferred action without having your criminal history reviewed.

We do not know what kind of criminal history could bar you from the deferred action program announced by Obama last week. We know that convictions for a felony, a significant misdemeanor or three or more misdemeanors are bars to the program. Moreover, a person who immigration authorities consider a “public safety threat” or a “national security threat” will be barred.

What is a “significant misdemeanor”?

This is an unclear phrase. According to recent documents released by the government, it appears it will include offenses such as driving under the influence, possession of a controlled substance (e.g. marijuana), obstruction of justice, assault and theft. Many of these crimes can subject you to mandatory detention. Do not assume that your misdemeanor conviction is not a serious misdemeanor.

What could count as a “public safety threat”?

We do not know. It could be that officials will look behind dismissed charges or juvenile delinquency adjudications to determine whether a person presents a public safety threat.  Juvenile delinquency adjudications any connections with gang activity or any action where the police stopped you and asked questions about gangs or gang membership any arrest or dismissed charge.

What could count as a “national security threat”?

We do not know. DHS broadly characterizes “participation in activities that threaten the United States” as a national security threat. This means it will not be limited to criminal convictions.

What should I do?

1. Get a copy of your record from whatever court your case was heard, including all juvenile delinquency adjudications. Try to get copies of police reports, a criminal history background check, or your “rap sheet.” Many states already have systems for you to collect your criminal history.  In many cases, you can find it on your local county website or state government websites. Make sure you get them from all states where you believe you may have been arrested or convicted.

2. Meet with a nonprofit organization, an immigration attorney or advocate experienced in deportation defense or the immigration consequences of criminal convictions. Make sure they review all your arrest information and criminal conviction documents. Do NOT consult “Notarios” if you have a criminal history.

For more information check out: