Prosperous nations will always attract immigrants that are in search for a better life

Border Security:

Increase the protection of our borders Increase the number of border patrol agents Add over 350 miles of fencing along the U.S.-Mexico border Add over 290 miles of vehicle barriers Install additional cameras and radar towers End the “Catch and Release Policy” Increase funding to expand detention centers Work closer with countries to accept their citizens back Denial of visas to recognized crime members Creating directories of crime syndicates from different countries Implement the US-VISIT Exit Requirement System Install biometric exit requirements at all airports and seaports Create a biometric system for land borders to ensure that temporary workers are registered and leave the country before the visa expires

Worksite Enforcements:

Issuance of the “No Match” Regulation All workers must hold legal status in the United States The Social Security Administration will send letters to employers explaining the potential liability of hiring illegal employees Reduce the amount of documents accept to verify identity and work eligibility Increase fines for hiring illegal workers Increase investigation of employers who hire illegal workers Federal contractors must use the Federal Electronic Employment Verification System to verify each employee Increase the use of E-Verify to other industries Make E-verify integrated with DMV’s around the country to avoid illegal workers from obtaining job by showing a fake drivers license

Guest Worker Programs:

Reform the H-2A Agricultural Seasonal Worker Program

Reform the H-2B Program for non-agricultural seasonal workers

Extend the TN work visa eligibility to 3 years

Improve the current immigration system:

Streamline the background checks conducted by the FBI when required by the USCIS

Make sure that illegal aliens do not earn credits toward social security

The Naturalization Process:

A revised naturalization test (citizenship test) with focus on the American democracy, U.S. history and what is expected of a U.S. citizen

Increased training of immigration coaches that help applicants through the immigration process

The development of a web-based learning tool meant to increase the English language skills

What is deferred action?

A1:Deferred action is a discretionary determination to defer removal action of an individual as an act of prosecutorial discretion. Deferred action does not confer lawful status upon an individual. In addition, although an individual whose case is deferred will not be considered to be accruing unlawful presence in the United States during the period deferred action is in effect, deferred action does not excuse individuals of any previous or subsequent periods of unlawful presence.

Under existing regulations, an individual whose case has been deferred is eligible to receive employment authorization for the period of deferred action, provided he or she can demonstrate “an economic necessity for employment.” DHS can terminate or renew deferred action at any time at the agency’s discretion.

What is deferred action for childhood arrivals?

A2: On June 15, 2012, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization.

Individuals who can demonstrate through verifiable documentation that they meet these guidelines will be considered for deferred action. Determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis under the guidelines set forth in the Secretary of Homeland Security’s memorandum.

The DREAM Act (acronym for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors)

The DREAM Act (acronym for Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) is an American legislative proposal first introduced in the Senate on August 1, 2001,[1] by Dick Durbin and Orrin Hatch.[2]

This bill would provide conditional permanent residency to certain undocumented residents of good moral character who graduate from U.S. high schools, arrived in the United States as minors, and lived in the country continuously for at least five years prior to the bill’s enactment. If they were to complete two years in the military or two years at a four-year institution of higher learning, they would obtain temporary residency for a six-year period. Within the six-year period, they may qualify for permanent residency if they have “acquired a degree from an institution of higher education in the United States or [have] completed at least 2 years, in good standing, in a program for a bachelor’s degree or higher degree in the United States” or have “served in the armed services for at least 2 years and, if discharged, [have] received an honorable discharge”.[3] Military enlistment contracts require an eight-year commitment, with active duty commitments typically between four and six years, but as low as two years.[4][5] However, the military does not allow illegal immigrants to enlist,[6][7] and those that have done so under a false identity, or used fraudulent documents.[8][9] “Any alien whose permanent resident status is terminated… shall return to the immigration status the alien had immediately prior to receiving conditional permanent resident status under this Act.”[10] This bill would have included undocumented immigrants as old as 35 years of age.

Supporters argue that the Act would not create an “amnesty program” and would produce a variety of social and economic benefits, while critics contend that it would reward illegal immigration and encourage further illegal immigration, inviting fraud and shielding gang members from deportation.

Secretary Napolitano announced new actions my administration will take to mend our nation’s immigration policy, to make it more fair, more efficient and more just, specifically for certain young people sometimes called DREAMers.

Now, these are young people who study in our schools, they play in our neighborhoods, they’re friends with our kids, they pledge allegiance to our flag. They are Americans in their heart, in their minds, in every single way but one: on paper. They were brought to this country by their parents, sometimes even as infants, and often have no idea that they’re undocumented until they apply for a job or a driver’s license or a college scholarship.

That’s what gave rise to the Dream Act. It says that if your parents brought you here as a child, you’ve been here for five years and you’re willing to go to college or serve in our military, you can one day earn your citizenship. And I’ve said time and time and time again to Congress that — send me the Dream Act, put it on my desk, and I will sign it right away.

Now, both parties wrote this legislation, and year and a half ago, Democrats passed the Dream Act in the House, but Republicans walked away from it. It got 55 votes in the Senate, but Republicans blocked it. The bill hasn’t really changed; the need hasn’t changed. It’s still the right thing to do. The only thing that has changed, apparently, was the politics.

Guidelines

You may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals if you:

Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;

Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;

Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;

Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;

Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and

Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Age Requirements

Anyone requesting consideration for deferred action under this process must have been under 31 years old as of June 15, 2012. You must also be at least 15 years or older to request deferred action, unless you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order, as summarized in the table below:

Timeframe for Meeting the Guidelines

Education and Military Service Guidelines

Collect documents as evidence you meet the guidelines.

Renewing Deferred Action under This Process

Individuals whose case is deferred under this process will not be placed into removal proceedings or removed from the United States for a period of two years, unless terminated. You may request consideration for a two-year extension of deferred action through a process to be detailed in the future. As long as you were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, you may request a renewal even after turning 31. Your request for an extension will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Don’t Be a Victim of Immigration Scams

Dishonest practitioners may promise to provide you with faster services if you pay them a fee. These people are trying to scam you and take your money. Visit our Avoid Scams page on USCIS web page to learn how you can protect yourself from immigration scams.

Make sure you seek information about consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals from official government sources such as USCIS or the Department of Homeland Security or licensed attorney.