Important Information – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

From NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs:

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I’m sure you’ve heard about President Obama’s new program for undocumented youth, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The following message and attached documents outline vital information about this new initiative.

Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a new federal immigration process that allows certain undocumented young people to request temporary deportation relief and work authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The City estimates that 50,000 to 60,000 New Yorkers may be able to request deferred action.

In order to show that they meet the criteria, Deferred Action applicants will need to submit verifiable documentation to the federal government with their applications. They may be able to get some of the documents they need from City agencies. Attached is a one-page flyer that highlights the types of documents the City can provide to individuals who have records on file, along with instructions on how to access those documents. I have also attached flyers in English and Spanish created by USCIS to show the eligibility criteria and application process.

Please note: unlike the DREAM Act, Deferred Action is not legal status, and it does not provide a pathway to obtaining a green card or citizenship. For more information about Deferred Action, including where to find free legal assistance and how to avoid and report immigration scams, please call 311 or visit NYC.gov.

All the best,

Sarah

Sarah Flatto | One NYC One Nation Coordinator | NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs 

212-341-9075 | 646-409-3116 |nyc.gov/immigrants | *[email protected]