The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) think tank released a report Tuesday that estimated that 1.76 million unauthorized young immigrants are currently eligible for a two year respite from deportation under President Obama’s executive order, in contrast to the administration’s previous estimate of 1.39 million.
Beginning August 15, individuals can submit applications for a reprieve from deportation to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative.
The release coincided with panel discussion at the Institute composed of Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Alejandro Mayorkas, Executive Director of the National Immigration Law Center Marielena Hincapie, Director of the MPI Office at NYU School of aw Muzaffar Chishti, University of Virginia International Law Professor David A. Martin, and Director of MPI’s U.S. Immigration Policy Program Doris M. Meissner. All stressed that the executive order is not in fact a legalization process.
According to the MPI “qualified applications for deferred action would receive a two-year reprieve from possible deportation, and applicants who demonstrate economic necessity would also receive work authorization.” Those who do apply for deferred action will also have the opportunity to renew their work authorization.
In order to be eligible for a stay of deportation an individual must have entered the U.S. under the age of 16, lived in the country since at least June, 15 2007 and must have been present on June, 15 2012 when the executive order was issued, be attending or have graduated high school or received a GED, and have a record free or any felony crimes.
While in order to meet the criteria for a reprieve requires that an immigrant have committed fewer than three misdemeanors, the panel highlighted the fact that certain misdemeanor crimes could be grounds for deportation depending on the seriousness of their nature. For example, a DUI could serve as grounds for deportation.
There is also a $465 application fee for to remain in the U.S. The fee can be waived if it can be demonstrated that the circumstances of the individuals prevent them from affording the application. For undocumented immigrants who are living in foster care on under the poverty line, the fee will be waived.
