1. Save money (at least $465).
Immigration applications are expensive – it costs $465 to apply for deferred action under the 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The new program could cost even more, so start saving now or talking to your local credit union to see if you can get a low-interest loan.
2. Get proof of who you are.
You will have to prove who you are. Here are a few forms of ID that could be helpful:
-A passport from your home country
-A matricula consular or other type of government issued-ID
-A birth certificate with photo ID
3. Gather proof of your relationship to U.S. citizen/Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) family members.
The program could require that you have a spouse or child who is a U.S. citizen or LPR (“green card” holder). To prove that you have a relative with this status, gather:
-birth certificates
-marriage certificates
-your spouse/child’s U.S. passport or naturalization certificate
-your spouse/child’s green card
4. Gather proof of how long you have been in the U.S.
You will likely have to show how long you have been in the U.S. These are some documents that can help you show that:
-school records
-medical or hospital records
-letters
-bills (electricity, phone, gas, etc.)
-rent payments
-passport with admission stamp
-copies of money order receipts for money sent in or out of the country
-bank transactions
5. Gather any criminal records that you have.
We don’t know yet who will and who won’t qualify for the new program. People with certain type of criminal convictions may not qualify. It’s best to get a copy of your criminal records so that you can show them to an attorney and get advice on whether you should apply. Criminal records include:
-Arrest records
-Court dispositions
-FBI criminal background checks
-Any expungement records
-Proof of rehabilitation (completion of DUI and other classes)
6. If you have a criminal conviction check with an attorney to see if you can expunge, vacate, or modify this conviction.
It’s possible that you can change or “erase” your conviction. There are different ways to do this and they are given different names like “expungement” and “vacating a conviction.” Talk to an attorney to see if you can do this. Even if this doesn’t help you qualify for the program, it may be easier to get a job when you erase a conviction from your record.
7. If you have a prior deportation/removal order consult with an attorney or BIA accredited representative.
There might be a risk for people who have prior deportation/removal orders to apply. Talk to an attorney or Board of Immigration (BIA) accredited representative to discuss whether you should apply and whether you can re-open your old immigration case.
8. Stay informed — sign up to receive updates from NILC!
As we receive more news about the President’s potential executive action, we will share them with you. We will also share materials and info about webinars. Sign up for NILC’s Immigration list to receive these updates via email.
9. Know your rights!
ICE or local law enforcement can stop you at any time, especially if you have not yet gotten work authorization. Not everyone will qualify for the new program so they should know what to say and what not to say when stopped.
Click here to learn more about your rights at home and at work. Be prepared for an ICE raid by carrying a “know your rights” card.
10. Beware of notario fraud!
There is no program yet and no application yet. Don’t believe anyone who tells you that they can sign you up now for a program.
