On November 20, 2014, President Obama announced executive actions to solve some of the problems in our immigration system including an extension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the creation of the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) program.
DACA and DAPA are immigration programs which permit those persons who have complied with certain requirements to remain in the United States and obtain a work permit for a period of three years.
With Deferred Action the government will put off deportation proceedings against those persons who have met certain requirements. It is as if the government is saying: " We know that you are in the country without permission or without legal immigration status, and we could deport you, but we will defer any action of deportation against you". Having Deferred Action status does not mean that a person holds legal immigration status, a visa or permanent resident status (a green card). Deferred Action is not a path to citizenship. But it will allow persons with Deferred Action status to be temporarily protected from deportation and to be eligible for a work permit.
When Can I apply?
DAPA The goverment is not accepting applications at this time. The government hopes to begin accepting applications about May 15, 2015.
DACA and Expanded DACA If you meet the prior requirements for DACA, you can apply now. If you qualify for Expanded DACA under the new requirements, you will have to wait to apply. The USCIS will begin to accept applications under the new requirements about Feb 18, 2015.