AT LAST!! President Obama announces his New Immigration Plan!
President Obama addressed the Nation on Thursday evening (Nov. 20, 2014) and announced his plan for immigration reform. This new immigration initiative provides for a deferred action that will protect millions of undocumented people who have been in the United States from their families being torn apart from deportation. President Obama’s plan will allow them to come out of the shadows, obtain jobs legally, and stay together with their family, without the threat or fear of deportation. This new immigration initiative announced by President Obama could affect up to $5 million people.
So, what is it, and what is it not? Here are the main points of President Obama’s announcement on immigration.
THE DEAL – WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA’S IMMIGRATION PLAN PROPOSES:
Border Security: The president proposes additional resources for law enforcement at the border to prevent the flow of illegal crossings, and to speed the return of those who do enter illegally in the future. Enforcement will focus on those with criminal issues and removal orders to be deported.
Skilled Workers: Faster and easier paths for high-skilled immigrants, graduates, and entrepreneurs to stay and contribute to the U.S. economy.
For the Undocumented Immigrants: Millions will be able to register for temporary status and be protected from deportation, IF (1) you’ve been in America for more than five years; (2) you have children who are American citizens or legal residents; (3) pass a criminal background check, and (4) you’re willing to pay your fair share of taxes.
Expanded DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): DACA, which was announced in 2012, will now be available to people without an age limitation. See our info on DACA for the requirements for eligibility for existing DACA. With President Obama’s new immigration plan, the age requirement will no longer limit your eligibility.
WHAT IT’S NOT :
1) It will not protect people who arrived in the U.S. illegally recently, or who arrive illegally in the future. You have to be here already for at least 5 years to qualify.
2) It is not a path to citizenship, or permanent legal status. (Hopefully, Congress will pass a bill to allow legalization in the future!)
3) Those temporarily protected from deportation will not be eligible for the benefits afforded to U.S. citizens. (Such as Medicaid, health care subsidies, certain welfare, voting, etc.)
TIMELINE:
President Obama will sign the executive order and make it official on Friday (Nov. 21, 2014). In the next weeks, the immigration initiatives will be rolled out, and it should be implemented in the next months.
If you think you will qualify, feel free to contact us. We’ll keep you updated as the specific details on eligibility requirements and application procedures are announced, and we would be happy to help you keep your family together here in the U.S. And for more, up to date information on the President’s plan, visit www.uscis.gov/immigrationaction.