Dream Deferral: Not Yet Here But Coming Soon

The DHS deferral program for individuals who would have qualified for the Dream Act (had it ever passed) has not yet begun.  DHS announced today that they will begin accepting applications within 60 days of June 15, 2012, the day they announced the program.  The basic criteria will be:

• That the applicant came to the United States while under the age of sixteen;
• Has continuously resided in the United States for at least five years preceding June 15, 2012 and have been physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012;
• Is currently be in school, has graduated from high school, has obtained a general education development certificate, or is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; 
• Has not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety; 
• Is not above the age of thirty.

Potential applicants:  do not pay anyone any money to file an application for you yet:  DHS has not issued instructions and is not yet accepting applications