Deferred Action Resources

“It is both overdue and heartening that the critical issue of immigration reform is moving to the top of Washington’s agenda. Each day Catholic Charities responds to many calls for assistance from immigrants who needlessly struggle and are threatened by the dysfunctions in our current system. Keeping families together, fair and humane legal immigration policies, reducing illegal immigration, protecting against exploitation and an earned way out of the shadows for the undocumented are all parts of broad immigration reform that this country needs. Catholic Charities is ready and willing to work with many partners to achieve this critical goal.”

- Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New York
 		  Office of New Americans

 

Details about the application process for deferred action were released August 14, 2012. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York is prepared to help.  Individuals seeking more information and schools, churches, and other community-based organizations interested in scheduling presentations about deferred action can call Catholic Charities at the New York State New Americans Hotline,
1-800-566-7636, (formerly known as the New York State Immigration Hotline.)

Certain young people who were brought to the United States as children, who do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and who meet specific criteria (see below) can apply for Deferred Action, which is temporary relief from removal (deportation) from the United States or from being placed in removal proceedings and which, if granted, will provide work authorization.

To be considered for deferred action, individuals must:

  • Have come to the United States under the age of 16.
  • Were not above the age of 31 on June 15, 2012.
  • Have resided in the United States continuously for at least five years before June 15, 2012, and have been present in the United States as of June 15, 2012.
  • Be in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED certificate or be honorably discharged veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States.
  • Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense or multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Understanding Deferred Action: 

  • Deferred Action is an administrative action in which DHS decides to exercise prosecutorial discretion to defer (postpone) the removal of an individual who is present in the United States without immigration status.
  • Deferred Action does not confer lawful status nor put someone on the path to a green card.
  • Those who are granted Deferred Action are eligible to apply for employment authorization, a card issued by the government that can also help an individual obtain a social security number, open a bank account, and obtain a driver’s license .

To learn more: