New Dream Act to Offer Protection and Benefits for Dreamers

On Behalf of | Jul 20, 2017 | Blog |

The proposed Dream Act of 2017, where immigrants would qualify for permanent residence and after certain requirements, a path to citizenship if they were brought to the United States as children and have remained longtime residents.

Originally signed into Executive Action by President Obama in 2012, known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a kind of administrative relief from deportation. The purpose of DACA was to protect eligible immigrant youth who came to the United States when they were children from deportation. DACA gives young undocumented immigrants: protection from deportation, and a work permit. The program expired after two years and was subject to renewal.

The proposed legislation increases the age of entry into the U.S. from 16 to 18 years. This bill will set guidelines for qualification which are similar to DACA and previous Dream Act guidelines.

Under the 2017 Dream Act, immigrants would qualify for permanent residence and a path to American citizenship if they have been longtime residents, who were brought to the U.S. as children.

To qualify they must have received a high school diploma or Ged, pursue a college degree, be lawfully employed for three years or serve in the military, pass a background check and pay the corresponding fee. This would not be applicable to anyone who has committed a felony or poses a threat to the U.S.

This new proposal contemplates the difficulty of certain children who have not been able to continue studying due to lack of financial resources and the need to work to support themselves or even their family.

Included in the proposal is to forgive minors who have had experiences with the judicial system or due to their immigration status, such as misdemeanors or unpaid fines.

No one besides an attorney is able to give you legal advice, even an attorney’s assistant cannot give you legal advice, you must speak with an actual licensed attorney. You must also be able to understand the attorney.

The attorney must either speak a language you understand or have a competent interpreter that will allow you to understand what the attorney is saying. If you cannot communicate with the attorney they will not be able to provide you safe advice. Never hire an attorney that you have not spoken with.

Speaking with an experienced and skilled immigration attorney is the first step when dealing with any immigration issue. An experienced attorney authorized to practice immigration law in Dallas, throughout Texas, and in all fifty states can assure that your case moves forward as quickly as possible and is handled correctly.