Cut off date for January 2015 (Visa bulletin for January 2015) and Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA)

Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA):

1. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will create a new deferred action process, granting deferred action to eligible Parents of U.S. Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents.

2. The U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident child must have been born on or before November 20, 2014.

3. Includes step-children, if the marriage between the biological parent and step-parent occurred prior to the child’s turning 1, and adopted children, if the adoption took place prior to the child’s turning 16.

4. The parents must have been continuously present in the U.S. since January 1, 2010.

5. The parents must have been unlawfully present in the U.S. on November 20, 2014 and on the date the application is made.

6. The parents must learn English.

7. The parents must Pay Taxes Going Forward.

8. The parents must also not be an enforcement priority for removal from the United States. Individuals with removal/deportation orders issued on or before January 1, 2014 will not be a priority for removal.

9. The parent will be ineligible if convicted of a Felony, a Significant Misdemeanor or 3 or more Misdemeanors.

* Not Misdemeanors: Traffic Violations including Driving without a License.

10. Expunged and Juvenile convictions may not be Disqualifiers.

11. Public Safety Threats Cannot qualify for DAPA – Gang Membership & Criminal Activities.

12. If DAPA is granted, the applicant will receive employment authorization for three years, provided they pass required background checks.

13. Applications will be accepted starting on May 20, 2015.