Beginning August 15, as many as 30,000 undocumented youth in Washington State who meet the requirements below will be able to apply for deferred action to be protected from deportation and granted a work authorization.
The Requirements
- Are under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012
- Came to the US before turning 16 years old
- Are at least 15 years old (only if you are NOT in removal proceedings) Otherwise will have to wait until turning 15 to apply
- Are in school, graduated from high school, earned a GED or served honorably in the US military. If you dropped from school, you'll have to go back or earned a GED before you apply
- Have not committed a felony, a significant misdemeanor or multiple misdemeanors. If not sure READ THIS WARNING! and consult with an attorney.
There is a non-refundable application fee of $465 - make sure you qualify!
Clearing Up Concerns
- ICE will not come to your house to pick up your mom and dad (source) - otherwise many would not apply :)
- If they say 'no' you will not be placed in deportation proceedings unless you have a criminal record - don't lie if you're not sure and again get an attorney!
Recommended Next Steps
- Gather all documents/evidence to proof that you meet all the application requirements
- Consult with an attorney if you're not sure you have a clean criminal record
- Download and complete the application forms that should be available on August 15 here.
- Attend a FREE upcoming workshop or Town Hall to get your application reviewed and make sure you qualify!
More details about the application process will be available on August 15th. In the meantime...
Click here to learn about what documents you need to gather as evidence and more! Special thanks to immigration attorney Karol Brown :)
