Obama Executive Action

New Deferred Action Program

On November 20, 2014 President Obama announced an executive action that detailed considerable changes toU.S. immigration policy. His program of “Deferred Action” calls for a re-focusing of resources for immigration enforcement and, most importantly, allows a large amount of undocumented immigrants to live and work legally in the United States. Obama’s executive became effective on January 5, 2015.

Have questions about DACA and your case? Contact Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. for a personal consultation. Our Tampa DACA attorneys can help you renew your applications and find the best option for you.

What is DACA?

The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program protects eligible immigrants from deportation if they entered the country as children. As a result of DACA, undocumented immigrants will be protected from deportation and will have the ability to work. Renewal of DACA status and work permit is required every two years under the program.

Who Qualifies for the New Deferred Action?

Obama's Deferred Action program applies to certain undocumented immigrants and expands the existing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

The following people may qualify:

• Undocumented parents of United States Citizens
• Undocumented parents of Lawful Permanent Residents who have been continuously present since 1/1/2010
• Certain undocumented immigrants who arrived as children before January, 2010

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Not have a serious criminal history
• Prove that they entered the U.S. before January 1, 2010 and have been continuously present since then.
• Not have failed to leave under a removal order or not have returned after a removal order after January 1, 2014

In addition to making these individuals eligible for legal residency, the program also allowed increased resources for border enforcement and created new procedures for high-skilled immigrants. The Deferred Action was expected to benefit about 4.4 million people. Other important facts about the action include:

• 601A Waivers – “Extreme hardship” will be clarified and waivers will be expanded to spouses and children of Lawful Permanent Residents.
• Adjustment of Status Timing – Employment-based applicants in the quota backlog may pre-register for adjustment of status to obtain benefits of pending adjustment of status.
• Removal Proceedings – Individuals in removal proceedings who have not been removed from the U.S. and meet qualifying criteria may seek prosecutorial discretion to close their case.
• H– 4 Visa Holders – Spouses of H1B visa holders may obtain work permits
• Parole in Place – Parole in place will expand to include families of individuals trying to enlist in the military, as some branches of the armed forces ban applicants who have undocumented family members.

Is DACA still Active?

DACA is still active as of 2023, however only current DACA recipients can renew their applications. They are not currently processing new applications, but you may still submit an application.

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Immigration Lawyer

Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. proudly offers our services and support to individuals and families who would like to learn more about the Obama Executive Action, their unique case, and how we can help. If you have questions about your eligibility or would like to register for the new Deferred Action program, our experienced DACA attorneys near you are available to provide you with a consultation.

We Can Also Help With:

• Student Visas
• Naturalization
• Citizenship

Call (800) 708-4399 or contact us online to learn more about your deferred action case.