On June 15, 2012, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a very important memorandum providing for immigration benefits to a large population of illegal and undocumented aliens  who came to the US as children, either alone or with their parents.  The immigration benefits that this new law establishes are deferred action for youth and prosecutorial discretion for youth.  Young people who do not present a risk to national security or public safety and meet criteria outlined below will be eligible to receive deferred action for two years (subject to renewal) and, most importantly, work authorization.

To become eligible for deferred action for youth and prosecutorial discretion for youth, illegal aliens have to show that they:

1. Arrived in the United States when they were under the age of 16;

2. Have continuously resided in the United States for at least five years prior to June 15, 2012, and were present in the United States on June 15, 2012;

3. Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces;

4. Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanors, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety; and

5. Are not above the age of 30.

DHS has a firm deadline of August 14, 2012 to establish an application process for deferred action. Eligible aliens are advised to contact Deferred Action Lawyer as soon as possible to discuss their Deferred Action and work authorization (work permit) applications.