By Gabrielle Prusak
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) spoke about the urgency for undocumented immigrants in New York to enroll or reapply for the Deportation Protection Program this week.
“This program that was put into place by President Obama allows qualified immigrants under the age of 31 who were brought into the country illegally as children to receive work permits and stay in the United States for a period of two years,” Meng said Tuesday. “It is not a long-term solution but it will help youths now.”
DACA is a program where immigrants can apply to receive a Social Security number , a driver’s license and credit cards.
To qualify for DACA, applicants must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; entered the United States before their 16th birthday; stayed in the United States since June 15, 2012; graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school or a GED, been an honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. armed forces, and have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors and do not pose a threat to national security or public safety.
“A lot of these immigrants don’t know how to apply for DACA and many people are afraid because of negative consequences that they think will occur,” Meng told a news conference in front of Newtown High School in Elmhurst.
She said many undocumented immigrants are unaware that there are new applications required to continue in the DACA program as well.
According to Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Migration Services the Rev. Patrick J. Keating, “People can apply 120 days before it [DACA] expires.”
State Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) said, “This is the right step in the right direction. It’s a critical step for young students as well as in-state immigrants.
“It has helped young people in the community access opportunities for internships and jobs,” he said.
To apply for DACA, immigrants must go through an attorney or the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals. If people are unable to afford the filing fee, they can apply for a loan or apply for a scholarship to help, according to Jessica Orozco, director of immigration and civic engagement at the Hispanic Federation.
DACA protections start to expire this September, so immigrants are being urged to re-apply and apply as soon as possible.
“It is critical for our communities to spread the word loud and clear that those with DACA status must renew their enrollment in the program as soon as possible,” said Meng.
