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Immigration Relief for Young People

By June 27, 2012June 25th, 20156 Comments

To get email updates on the new immigration deferred action policy, please sign up here! 새로운 이민개혁 정책에 대한 이메일 업데이트 받고 싶으시면, 여기서 신청해주세요!

On June 15, 2012, the Obama Administration made an announcement calling for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). This policy would provide temporary relief to 800,000 undocumented young people from deportation and would allow them to apply for work permits. It follows years of hard work by immigrant youth and recognizes the contributions, promise, and importance of undocumented young people, nearly 1 in 10 of whom are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

In June 2014, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the release of the DACA renewal forms.

What is deferred action?
Upcoming Events
Are you eligible for deferred action?
How do you apply?
Application Process
Obtaining a social security number
DACA Renewals
In-State Tuition in Virginia
Contacts
Scholarships for DACA Recipients

What is deferred action?

Deferred action is a type of administrative relief from deportation that can be granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) without the individual necessarily having to go through immigration court. Deferred action allows an individual to stay and live in the U.S. for a temporary period without being at risk of deportation. It is granted on a case by case basis. Even if a person meets all requirements, they must still be approved by DHS. Deferred action does not grant legal status to the individual.

This policy will:

  • Provide a 2-year temporary relief from deportation for eligible young people who meet certain eligibility requirements. This two year period can be renewed, pending review of the individual’s case.
  • Allow eligible youth to apply for work authorization. The work authorization can also be renewed for a two year period, pending review.

NAKASEC and our affiliates, the Korean Resource Center (KRC) of Los Angeles and the Korean American Resource & Cultural Center (KRCC) of Chicago, are working within Korean American communities to provide information on the latest announcement and with pro-bono lawyers and advocates across the nation to provide legal support for young people.

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Upcoming Events

AUGUST 27, 2014
A Conversation with USCIS: DACA
A Korean-Language National Engagement (설명회)

Time: 7:30-9:00 PM ET (4:30-6:00 PM PST)
Location: USCIS Queens Field Office, 27-35 Jackson Avenue, Queens, New York 11101
Teleconference: Call toll-free on 1-800-779-5793 (password: DACA)

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites you to attend a free Korean-language event. Our representatives will share agency updates and your questions about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Past Events

JUNE 30, 2014
KRCC DACA Clinic
Time: 2:00 PM CT
Location: KRCC Lincoln Office, 6146 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60659
Contact: Heykyung Eum (heyeum@chicagokrcc.org) at 773.588.9158

JUNE 16, 2014
NAKASEC Deferred Action Clinic
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM ET
Location: 7006 Evergreen Court, Suite 200, Annandale, VA 22003
Contact: Dong Yoon Kim (dkim@nakasec.org) & Jung Bin Cho (jcho@nakasec.org)

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged.

Please check back for more information on an application workshop in Virginia.

To make an appointment please call 202-299-9540 or email dkim@nakasec.org or signup here: Sign up for update emails on the deferred action policy.

JUNE 16, 2014
KRC DACA Renewals Information Session
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM PST
Location: 900 S. Crenshaw Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90019
Contact: Esther Kim (esther@krcla.org)

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged.

To make an appointment, sign up on: http://www.krcla.org/

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Are you eligible for deferred action?

According to the USCIS, an individual may be considered for deferred action for childhood arrivals if he or she:

  • Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
  • Came to the United States before reaching his or her 16th birthday;
  • Has continuously resided in the United States Since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
  • Was present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making his or her request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
  • Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or his or her lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
  • Is currently in school, has graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, has obtained a general education development certificate, or is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
  • Has not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

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How do you apply?

If you are in deportation proceedings:

  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is reviewing cases of people in deportation proceedings. If a case is identified as meeting eligibility requirements, ICE should offer the person deferred action.

If you are not in deportation proceedings:

  • You will be able to apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for deferred action.

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Application Process

      • Individuals must mail the deferred action request forms, supporting evidence to prove their eligibility, and the fee to a USCIS processing center. All individuals will undergo a background and biometrics check. The status of their application can be followed online.
      • Generally there will no an interview process but under certain circumstances one may be requested by USCIS.
      • Fees: The total fee is $465 which includes the work authorization application and the biometrics fees. There are no fee waivers. However very limited exemptions will be made for certain individuals and the request for exemption must be filed prior to sending in your deferred action application.

Deferred Action Forms:

1. Form I-821D (Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

2. Instructions for Form I-821D

3. Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance

4. Form I-765 (Employment Authorization Document for Deferred Action applicants)

5. Form I-765 WS (Worksheet to establish economic need for employment pursuant for Deferred Action applicants)

Denial of Applications

      • If an application is denied, USCIS has announced that the neither the individual nor their family members, will not be referred to ICE for the purpose of deportation proceedings unless there are concerns with criminal offenses, fraud, or a threat to national security or public safety or under exceptional circumstances. This policy, however, can be changed at any given time and is not a right or benefit given to the individual.
      • It is important to remember that if you have a criminal record, you must speak with an immigration attorney prior to applying for deferred action.

Travel

      • You may not travel outside of the US before you are granted deferred action. After August 15, 2012, if you travel outside of the US, you will not be considered for deferred action under this process.
      • After you are granted deferred action and you want to travel outside the US, you must apply for advance parole by filing a Form I-131 application and paying an application fee ($360).  You will be granted travel authorization if it is for humanitarian, education or employment purposes.

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Obtaining a social security number

DACA applicants who have received Deferred Action and their work permit can now apply and receive a Social Security number.

For details please see the following documents:

DACA Obtaining Social Security Number [ENG]

DACA Obtaining Social Security Number [우리말]

After obtaining your work permit (Employment Authorization Document or EAD), and your Social Security number, there have been unanswered or unclear guidelines on your current or future employment. Please see below to see NAKASEC’s adapted NILC FAQ regarding DACA and employment.

DACA and Workplace FAQ [ENG]

DACA and Workplace FAQ [우리말]

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DACA Renewals
Don’t let your Deferred Action expire!

You can now submit a renewal application to USCIS. The official form and procedure have been released and they are available at USCIS.GOV

Renewals will cost $465 – please start saving.

USCIS recommends applying 3 months before your DACA expires to ensure that your DACA will be renewed on time. 5 Months is the earliest you can apply. If you apply earlier than 5 months, your application will be returned to you.

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In-State Tuition for Virginia DACA Recipients

On Tuesday, April 29, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring declared that children who arrived in the United States without documentation and raised in this country qualify for in-state tuition. They must have had DACA for one year and also meet the Virginia Domicile requirements. This news opens up educational doors for our Latino, Asian, and immigrant communities.

Herring Advises that Virginia “DREAMers” can Qualify for In-State Tuition

Herrings Remarks about DREAMERS qualifying for In-State Tuition (KO)

In State Tuition FAQ

In State Tuition for DACA Recipients PowerPoint

If you have any questions regarding issues on obtaining in state tuition in Virginia after you have had DACA for one year please contact NAKASEC at 703-256-2208 or Legal Aid Justice Center at 703-778-3450.

Contacts

Are you a young person or a parent and have questions about the announcement? Give us a call.

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Scholarships for DACA Recipients

Dream Scholarship
Deadline: April 2015
Description: The Dream Project Scholarship is a yearly scholarship awarded to immigrant students demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, and perseverance and persistence in the face of adversity.
Region: Virginia
Website: http://www.dreamproject-va.org/dream-scholarship/how-to-apply/

Esperanza Education Fund
Deadline: April 1, 2015
Description: In spring 2014, The Esperanza Education Fund will award scholarshipsto immigrant students in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, to attend public colleges and universities
Region: Virginia
Website: http://www.esperanzafund.org/scholarship/

Quest Bridge National College Match
Deadline: September 26, 2014
Description: The QuestBridge National College Match is a college and scholarship application process that helps outstanding low-income high school seniors gain admission and full four-year scholarships to the nation’s most selective colleges.
Region: National
Website: http://www.questbridge.org/for-students/ncm-national-college-match/

Golden Door Scholars
Deadline: 2015-2016 deadlines are not revealed yet
Description: If you’re a top-performer who is afraid your citizenship status is the only thing standing in the way of a college education.
Region: National but preference in NC/SC
Website: http://www.goldendoorscholars.org/

Jack Kent Cooke College Scholarship Program
Deadline: early September to early November
Description: The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation College Scholarship Program is an undergraduate scholarship program available to high-achieving high school seniors with financial need who seek to attend and graduate from the nation’s best four-year colleges and universities.
Region: National
Website: http://www.jkcf.org/scholarship-programs/undergraduate-transfer/

Custom Made Furniture Essay Contest
Deadline: December 15, 2014
Description: CustomMade is an online matchmaker connecting people who want and make custom goods. Buyers come to CustomMade looking for furniture and cabinets – among many other custom creations – completely bespoke to individual style and need. We exist to empower individuals who believe in buying custom and disrupt the system of buying mass-produced, impersonal and low quality goods. Of course, we know why we do what we do, but we want to hear it from your perspective:
Region: National
Website: http://www.custommade.com/scholarships/consumer-advantages-of-buying-custom-furniture-scholarship/

Scholarship America Dream Award
Deadline: Application opens in October 2014
Description: Scholarship America’s Dream Award scholarships will be awarded to students selected from across the nation who are entering their second year or higher of education beyond high school.
Region: National
Website: http://scholarshipamerica.org/dream_criteria.php

The National LGBTQ Scholarship Fund
Deadline: 2014-2015 Application is closed,
Description: Point Foundation was established in 2001 to nurture the next generation of LGBTQ leaders. Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.
Region: National
Website: http://www.pointfoundation.org/apply/

Microsoft Undergraduate Scholarship
Deadline: 2014-2015 is expired
Description: A Microsoft scholarship provides a leg up so you can pursue undergraduate studies in computer science and related technical disciplines.
Region: National
Website: http://careers.microsoft.com/careers/en/us/internships-scholarships.aspx

Dream.Us Scholarship
Deadline: Information opens on September 1, 2014
Description: a national scholarship fund for immigrant youth who have received DACA, who want to obtain a college education and give back to their communities.
Region: National
Website: http://www.thedream.us/scholars/

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Scholarship
Deadline: 2015 Application will open in Late September
Description: CHCI’s scholarship opportunities are afforded to Latino students in the United States who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities and who demonstrate a desire to continue their civic engagement in the future.
Region: National
http://www.chci.org/scholarships/

Humane Education Network
Deadline: For the 2015 Contest, the deadline is March, 2015
Description: This is a contest with a set of rules and cash prizes. The rules for the 2015 contest will appear on this page when the contest dates are announced in December.
Region: National
http://www.hennet.org/contest.php

Nordstrom Scholarship
Deadline: 2015 Application opens in February, 2015
Description: The Nordstorm Scholarship is open to high school juniors who live and attend a school in a school with a Nordstrom/Nordstrom rack store
Region: States with Nordstrom store
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/nordstrom-cares-scholarship

Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1, 2015
Description: The first and most important qualification for a Davis-Putter Scholarship is active participation in struggles for civil rights, economic justice, international solidarity or other progressive issues.
Region: National
http://www.davisputter.org/apply/apply-for-scholarships/

Western Union Family Scholarship Program
Deadline: April 25- May 23, 2014. 2014 Application is closed
Description: The Western Union Foundation Family Scholarship Program supports two immigrant students from one family.
Region: National
http://foundation.westernunion.com/education_programs.html

Migrant Farmworker Baccalaureate Scholarship
Deadline: July 1, Annually
Description: The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial support to a deserving student with a history of migrating for employment in agriculture who has successfully completed one year of college.
Region: National
http://www.migrant.net/migrant/scholarships/mfb.htm

Jose Robles Dream Scholarship Fund
Deadline: February 15, 2014, 2014 Application is closed
Description: The Jose Robles Dream Scholarship Fund values the diversity and the contributions that immigrants and their families make to our society and economy.
Region: Arizona
http://www.dreamscholarshipfund.com/applicants.html

Anhelo Project Dream Scholarship
Deadline: February 28, 2014, 2014 Application is closed
Description: The Anhelo Project will award the Dream Scholarship to deserving undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership, academic competitiveness, community involvement, and financial need.
Region: Illinois
http://www.theanheloproject.org/dream-scholarship/

A.Patrick Charnon Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 31, 2014
Description: The A. Patrick Charnon Scholarship is open to full-time undergraduate students who have been accepted to or who are currently enrolled in a four-year college or university. Students who value tolerance, compassion and respect for all people in their communities, and who have demonstrate their commitments to these values by their actions will be considered for this award.
Region: National
http://www.scholarshipscollege.com/a-patrick-charnon-memorial-scholarship/

LULAC National Scholarship Fund
Deadline: 2014 Application is Closed
Description: LNESC and LULAC established the LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF) to help youth in underserved communities make the dream of college enrollment a reality.
Region: National
http://www.lnesc.org/site/338/Scholarships/LULAC-National-Scholarship-Fund

CDM Smith/UNCF Scholars Program 2014
Deadline: 2014 Application is closed
Description: CDM Smith in association with UNCF, have established a scholarship and summer internship program for undergraduate student
Region: National
https://scholarships.uncf.org/Program/Details/baf2908d-c73e-463b-babb-8b23c2d74176

Abbott & Fenner Annual Scholarship Awards
Deadline: June 15, 2015
Description: Abbott & Fenner are committed to continuing our efforts at helping those who have the desire and ambition to succeed.
Region: National
http://www.abbottandfenner.com/scholarships.htm

Peace Scholarships
Deadline: March 1, 2014 Application is closed
Description: Awards of $250 or $500 for high school seniors and college freshmen with demonstrated leadership and personal initiative in activities involving: Peace and Social Justice, Nuclear Disarmament, and/or Conflict Resolution
Region: National
http://peacescholarships.org/

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