By Kirstin Mahon/tr news editor
Students wishing to learn more about or apply for Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals could scoop up information during the seminar held Oct. 17.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals pardons any undocumented persons from deportation for two years after an application is successfully completed and reviewed with the appropriate materials.
Jose Gutierrez, University of Texas at Arlington professor of political science, presented basic facts about how undocumented persons can apply for deferred action.
Because the requirements hold that applicants be between ages 15 and 31, this opportunity tends to affect those wishing to finish high school and attend college.
“The biggest misnomer is that people think that these students get services, and they don’t,” said Mary Villafranca, former TR ESOL instructor.
Many immigrants pay taxes, but they don’t get the services taxes go toward, Villafranca said.
“When they get older and they realize they can’t drive, they can’t work … they can’t really give back to society,” she said. “And they sometimes feel like they’re in a country that maybe doesn’t want them. So they ask their parents ‘Why’d you bring me here?’”
Gutierrez went through the basic steps of the application process, outlining the do’s and don’ts. He said that this process, if the application is accepted, would not grant immigrants any kind of citizenship but simply allow them two more years to keep working or studying.
As of Oct. 10, 180,000 immigrants had applied for deferred action, Gutierrez said. And since Aug. 16,nearly 5,000 immigrants have been granted deference.
Gutierrez said applicants do not need to pay much more than the $465 application fee, but they can download and print applications for free.
“You don’t need a notary or an attorney,” he said. “There’s no deadline, but the politics is in the air.”
For outlines, requirements and forms to download for the application process, visit USCIS.gov/childhoodarrivals. Applicants also can call 1-855-448-6903 for a 24/7 hotline or 1-888-351-4024 for a 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday service.
The North Texas Dream Team can also provide free attorney services, if needed, and can be reached through its website at northtexasdreamteam.org or its Facebook page.
