World News
No deferred deportation rules yet; attorneys suggest steps to take now
Published: July 13, 2012
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- When the myth-busting website Snopes.com jumps in to debunk a story making the rounds on the Internet, it's a pretty good indication that plenty of people are confused. No, Snopes assures us, there is no such thing as a blanket "amnesty for illegal aliens." And there is not yet an application process for an administration policy announced in June that could allow a million or more young people to apply for a program that defers the possibility of being deported and could give them permission to work. But it's coming. And potential applicants can do a lot of things to get ready, according to attorneys preparing to help process applications. Get official copies of your transcripts, church documents and other proof of how long you've been here; records of taxes, rent and mortgages paid; be sure your passport is current and that you're registered for the Selective Service if you're a male between ages 18 and 26. If you dropped out of high school, get your GED quickly. And sit down with your parents to make sure you know the whole story of how you came to be in this country. President Barack Obama June 15 announced a system whereby certain young adults who are in the country illegally can apply for "deferred action," basically shelving the possibility of deportation for two years and giving them the chance to work legally, possibly get a driver's license and maybe attend college at tuition at reduced in-state-resident rates. All those imprecise words -- chance, possibility, maybe -- are the source of endless questions, most of which can't be answered until the government releases its guidance in mid-August for how the policy will be enacted.
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