November 21, 2014: in the wake of President Obama’s speech last night, Immigration has issued an announcement as to how the Executive Orders will be implemented.
Among the highlights are:
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program will be extended to people who came to the U.S. before turning 16 and have been in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 (the present cut-off date is June 15, 2007). The period of DACA and work authorization will be extended from two years to three.
Parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 will now be eligible for Deferred Action under a new Deferred Action for Parental Accountability(DAPA) program.
Provisional waivers will be expanded from the current spouses of U.S. citizens to now include spouses and children of lawful permanent residents and children of U.S. citizens.
The previously proposed plan to offer employment authorization to spouses of long-time H-1B visa holders will now be finalized.
The L-1B visa program, which has been held up to extraordinary scrutiny as of late, will be redefined.
it will take several months for things to be put in place and for Immigration to start accepting any kind of applications. They do advise, and we agree, that if you think you may be eligible, you should begin to assemble documentation regarding your identity, your relationship to a qualifying U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and proof of your residence in the U.S. for the past five years.
Please stay tuned to our website for additional information as it becomes available. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Managing Partner Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com.