President Barack Obama effectively passed the Dream Act today without Congressional approval

President Barack Obama effectively passed the Dream Act today without Congressional approval, announcing that the administration would halt the deportation of eligible individuals and issue them work cards for two years.


To be eligible, individuals must show the following:

1. Came to the United States under the age of sixteen;

2. Have continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of this memorandum and are present in the United States on the date of this memorandum;

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

4. Have 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;

5. Are not above the age of thirty.

The announcement further indicated qualified applicants who are already in deportation proceedings will have their deportation halted and be eligible for the relief.

While this guidance takes effect immediately, USCIS and ICE expect to begin implementation of the application processes within sixty days.

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/20120612-napolitano-announces-deferred-action-process-for-young-people.shtm