District of Columbia:
AYUDA will be conducting Q&A workshops to give individuals the latest reliable information.
When: Monday, August 20 through Friday, August 24
Two workshops every day: 4:00–5:00 p.m. and 5:00–6:00 p.m.
Where: 6925B Willow Street NW, Washington, DC 20012
For more information see:
http://www.ayudainc.org/index.cfm/news_ayuda-hosts-deferred-action-qa-workshops
CARECEN will be holding screening and preparation workshops throughout the fall. During the screening workshops, attorneys and other trained volunteers will be available to review documents and individual cases to determine eligibility for deferred action. During preparation workshops, pro bono attorneys and trained volunteers will assist prescreened youth in completing their applications for deferred action.
What: Screening Sessions
When: August 18 and September 15 from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: 1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1, Washington, DC
What: Informational Sessions
When: August 22 and September 5 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: 1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1, Washington, DC
Maryland:
CASA de Maryland is conducting information sessions and assisting youth in requesting deferred action. You can find out more here: http://casademaryland.org/storage/documents/DEFERRED_ACTION_PACKET_8.15.12.pdf
What: DREAMer Day Workshop hosted by the Washington, DC Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Attorneys will be available to assist in completing applications.
When: August 25 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where:
1. Jesus House DC: 919/921 Philadelphia Avenue,Silver Spring,Maryland20910
2. FIRN: 5999 Harpers Farm Road, Suite E-200, Columbia, Maryland 21044
3. Catholic Charities of Baltimore–Esperanza Center: 430 S. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21231. There is a $50 fee at this location; call (410) 534-8015 inadvance to schedule an appointment
Virginia:
Hogar Immigrant Services of Catholic Charities, Legal Aid Justice Center – Immigrant Advocacy Program, Ayuda, Just Neighbors: Immigration Legal Services, Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN/STAR), Asian Pacific American Legal Resource Center, Immigrant Youth in Virginia, and the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO) will host an information session.
When: August 21 from Noon–1:30 p.m. (registration begins at 11:45 a.m.)
Where: St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
3304 Washington Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22201
Please register here: http://informationsessiondeferredactionfordreamers.eventbrite.com/
Washington, DC Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association will host a DREAMer Day Workshop. Attorneys will be available to assist in completing applications.
When: August 25 from 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where:
1. Reston Interfaith: 1086 Elden Street, Herndon, VA 20170
Please call (703) 435-6830 to schedule an appointment
2. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church: 5800 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22150
For more information about the deferred action policy, please visit www.nclr.org/relief (English) or www.nclr.org/alivio (Spanish). To find assistance in other locations, please visitwww.weownthedream.org.
Center for American Progress Vice President for Immigration Policy and AdvocacyAngela Maria Kelley released the following statement:
Living up to its word, just sixty days after announcing that DREAM eligible youth may apply for deferred action, the Department of Homeland Security began the process of accepting and reviewing applications that will allow DREAM Act-eligible students to apply for legal protections and the right to work in this country. Deferred Action will give up to 1.7 millionyoung people, Americans in all but name, the ability to live here and support themselves and their families without a constant fear of being detained and deported.
Since actual adjudications will not take place for many weeks, the success of the program can’t be assessed by what happens tomorrow, the next day or many days to come. Still, the Department of Homeland Security deserves early credit for standing the program up quickly and thoroughly. We are hopeful that its implementation will meet the goals of the program and in the president’s words, “lift the shadow of deportation” from eligible young people.
Deferred action is not a permanent solution and does not confer permanent status. It can be revoked with the stroke of a pen by the next administration. Still, this program gives hope to so many people that have for so long lived in fear. It is good for the country, both morally and economically. But it is only the first step. As this program gets underway, we must renew our efforts to get Congress to pass real and lasting immigration reform, for all 11 million unauthorized immigrants living in the country.
Angelica Salas, executive director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA):
We are convinced Americans will see the good that can be done with common sense measures such as this one and that our leaders will do more to create permanent measures that reflect our nation’s values and interests.
In the faces of these future entrepreneurs, business men and women, scientists, athletes, and artists, we see the undeniable truth that to be an American is not determined by the color of your skin or where you were born, but by what you do and how you live your life. This program is about coming to terms with the reality that together, as one multicultural nation, we can do more.”
“Our job now is to work with USCIS to make sure that these students have the information and support they need to get this relief. We are proud that so many of our Affiliates will be on the front lines to make this happen,” stated Janet Murguía, NCLR President and CEO.
Many NCLR Affiliates throughout the country will be working to provide information and assistance to DREAMers who request deferred action today and in the months ahead. Resources will be posted on the NCLR website and the Own the DREAM campaign website to ensure that Affiliates have accurate information to relay to the public about eligibility criteria and the application process, to prevent people’s falling prey to scams and notario fraud.
Related Resources:
• Top 5 Economic Benefits from the President’s Immigration Announcement
• 6 Things You Need to Know About Deferred Action and DREAM Act Students
