The Latin American Association Will Host Public Forum August 18, 2012 on Deferred Action for DREAMers
ATLANTA (August 10, 2012) – The Latin American Association will host a free public forum Saturday, August 18, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on the deferred action announced by the Department of Homeland Security to benefit certain young people who arrived to the United States as children. The forum hosted by the Latin American Association, Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO), and the Asian American Legal Advocacy Center (AALAC), will feature a panel of experts to provide information about the deferred action application process, eligibility, requirements and fees. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions of panel experts.
Forum presenters will include Edly Vliet, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, to discuss the details of the deferred action and application process; Jean Sperling, criminal defense attorney, on Georgia crimes and how they may impact applicants; immigration attorneys Eileen Scofield, Alston & Bird, and Jonathan Eoloff, Latin American Association Managing Director of Immigration Services; and a public
school representative to explain how to obtain school documents required for the application.
The Department of Homeland Security recently announced that young people meeting the following requirements will be considered for deferred action for two years and may obtain work authorization:
1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
2. Came to the United States before reaching age 16;
3. Have continuously resided in the US since June 15, 2007 up to the present time;
4. Were physically present in the US on June 15, 2012 and at the time of making request for consideration of deferred action;
5. Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012 or lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the US; and,
7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Individuals may begin to request consideration of deferred action on August 15, 2012.
For more information concerning the deferred action forum, please contact the Latin American Association at 404-638-1800 or visit www.thelaa.org. The LAA is located at 2750 Buford Highway, Atlanta, GA 30324.
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About The Latin American Association:
The Latin American Association helps Latino families achieve their aspirations for academic, social and economic advancement. We
accomplish this through direct programs and integrated community partnerships that focus on youth academic achievement, education and prevention, and services to families with urgent needs. The LAA offers employment, immigration and translation services, as well as programs for youth, computer classes, parenting classes, and English and Spanish language classes. Visit www.thelaa.org for more information.
