This morning the office was a buzz with phone calls from excited/frantic clients asking if the new immigration legislation signed by the president applied to them.
Not really having a chance to read the law ourselves yet, we obviously had to politely ask them to call again after the weekend. While, I'm still a little fuzzy on the specifics, as I believe most people are, it's my understanding that in lieu of the Obama administration's tough immigration policies insisting on the mass deportation of illegal immigrants that the US government is now going to provide some relief for those awaiting deportation.
For those of you who don't know, immigration proceedings take FOREVER to commence. So, you could be notified of your imminent deportation and stripped of all rights to work or receive benefits and wait for months before ICE comes knocking on your door. So, this new law demands that DHS take more elements into consideration when determining who is a priority for deportation. Those who are deemed a significant threat to society will be deported first, while those who are less threatening will be able to obtain a work permit and have access to benefits.
DHS is already incredibly back logged as they pursue their goal of deporting 400, 000 people/ year. The most recent memo to ICE from DHS is to prioritize cases by those who which categorize the individual as deportable. Questionable cases will take lower priority. However, this new law will create even more work for DHS, requiring DHS to re-evaluate each case.
So much for deporting 400, 000 a year!
Meanwhile, those of you who qualify, enjoy thos benefits. It'll be a while before ICE gets to you!
"Obama deserves enormous credit for immigration move."
"Who May Qualify to Remain in US After Obama Immigration Policy"
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