Although it’s been a few weeks since President Obama announced his plans of reform for America’simmigration system, the promise of change is no less exciting. Immigrants throughout the country who have long been fearful of deportation are being encouraged to “come out of the shadows” and embrace the ability to remain in the U.S. under the President’s new proposals.
Nearly five million individuals have the potential to be positively affected by the new initiatives, but it won’t work unless everyone commits to playing by the rules. Below you’ll find more about Mr. Obama’s recent announcement and what exactly he means by “getting right with the law.”
Changes Expected to Roll Out With Haste
What makes this announcement so different from other presidential announcements is the concreteness behind Obama’s words – not only are these changes happening, but they’re happening soon. Some initiatives are expected to go into effect in as little as three months.
The President’s Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program carries perhaps the most weight and has the capacity to influence the highest number of people. Through this program, parents of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents will be eligible for deferred action and employment authorization if they’ve resided continuously in the U.S. for at least five years. Those who apply will be expected to pass a background check and pay taxes.
Other changes include the following:
- Increased eligibility for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program
- Improved job market for documented immigrants
- Expanded use of provisional waivers
- Stimulated citizenship education and public awareness for lawful permanent residents
It’s easy to see why immigrants breathed such a big sigh of relief after hearing the November 20 thpresidential address. These changes have been long in coming and they could positively alter the future of millions of immigrants significantly, if not permanently.
At the Law Offices of Connie Kaplan, our clients are our number one priority. Our firm can meet with you to help you determine how your future may be affected by the coming changes and what steps you need to take to get there.
Call our Fort Lauderdale immigration attorney for compassionate legal counsel today!
