15,000 undocumented immigrants in El Paso area can apply for deferred deportation

From the El Paso Times - Hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants across the country -- about 15,000 in the El Paso area -- will be able to start applying this week for protection from deportation and work permits under a new initiative from the Obama administration. The offices of the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services, or USCIS, will begin receiving applications starting Wednesday. The initiative could mean work and temporary peace of mind for thousands of young people but immigrants' rights advocates are cautioning potential beneficiaries the measure is not perfect and may not be the right one for everybody. President Barack Obama announced on June 15 a new program under which young undocumented immigrants may apply for deferred action -- which would exempt them from deportation for two years -- and permits to work legally in the country. Specifically, the measure will affect people who entered the country before the age of 16, are younger than 30, have continuously lived in the United States for five years preceding the date of the memo, and have never been convicted of a felony, a serious misdemeanor or pose a threat to national security. Some people in removal proceedings may also be eligible, immigration specialists said. They must also have graduated from high school, have a general educational development certificate or have served in the military. Read more

15,000 undocumented immigrants in El Paso area can apply for deferred deportation