Lawyers, SF Consulate offer Deferred Action info, application aid to immigrants

SAN FRANCISCO – In cooperation with local immigration attorneys and community organizations, the Philippine Consulate is offering free information about Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and will provide qualified individuals with DACA application assistance.

Services on Saturday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Philippine Consulate on Sutter Street will include eligibility screenings, free consultations with immigration attorneys and DACA application assistance.

DACA is a type of immigration relief available to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children and meet certain eligibility guidelines. Those granted deferred action through the program receive protection from deportation for a renewable two-year period and are eligible to receive work authorization and a social security number.

In the two years since its implementation, DACA has had a significant impact on the lives of young immigrants. According to the National UnDACAMented Research Project, 61 percent of DACA recipients have obtained new jobs since receiving DACA.

Another 61 percent obtained a drivers license and 54 percent opened their first bank account. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that 20,000 Filipino youth may be eligible for DACA now or in the future. However, USCIS reports that as of March 2014 only 4,041 Filipinos nationwide have applied. Of those, 3,644 were approved.

The Philippine Consulate and partnering organizations hope to raise awareness about DACA and its benefits in the Filipino community. Volunteer attorneys from API Legal Outreach, Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc., the Filipino Bar Association of Northern California and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines will provide free DACA information and assistance at the consulate.

For more information contact Ilissa Mira, attorney with Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC) at [email protected] or 510-272=2730 ext. 301.

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