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IMMIGRATION REFORM

Currently, the United States government is in the process of changing the general landscape and the particular regulations of immigration law. If you came to the US illegally or if you entered the country legally and overstayed the visa, the new proposed law may benefit you. It is important to work with an immigration lawyer such as Raphael Scheetz who can help you understand these changes and know your rights and options.
At the Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz we remain fully informed as the legal landscape changes, so that our clients will have the information they need for their immigration goals.

Deferred Action for Parents (DAPA)

DAPA is one of the proposed new regulations that will provide temporary protection from deportation. If a person qualifies for DAPA, it means that the person is legally authorized to remain in the United States temporarily and to receive employment authorization. A grant of deferred action does not provide a path to lawful permanent resident status or U.S. citizenship. The regulations concerning DAPA are currently in a “holding pattern” while the case is decided by the United States Supreme Court. The DAPA program will only go into effect if the Supreme Court decides that the DAPA regulations are legal.

If approved, the DAPA process will be available to people who meet the criteria outlined below. Those who receive deferred action under the DAPA program will receive employment authorization for a three-year period.

You May Qualify for DAPA if you:

  • Have, as of November 20, 2014, a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident son or daughter of any age;
  • Have continuously resided in the United States since January 1, 2010;
  • Are physically present in the United States on November 20, 2014, and at the time of making a DAPA request;
  • Have no lawful status on November 20, 2014;

Disqualifying factors include:

  • Certain criminal convictions and/or border violations;
  • National security concerns;
  • Gang associations; or,
  • Certain visa violations.

Mr. Scheetz’s help and support were immense. He is a great Attorney, remarkable lawyer and a terrific person. He has my complete respect and gratitude.

– Anastasiya K.

Deferred Action for Children (DACA)

DACA is another of the proposed regulations that will provide temporary protection from deportation. Many persons have already benefited from DACA. However, no new applications are being accepted by USCIS pending the review of the regulations by the United States Supreme Court.

If the DACA regulations are approved by the Supreme Court, you are eligible for DACA if you:

  • Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
  • Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
  • Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
  • Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
  • Had no lawful status on June 15, 2012;
  • Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably
    discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
  • Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, or three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Anyone requesting DACA must have been under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012. You must also be at least 15 years or older to request DACA, unless you are currently in removal proceedings or have a final removal or voluntary departure order.

Contact the Law Office of Raphael M. Scheetz to discuss if you can benefit from the recent changes in the immigration law.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

I was so lucky that Mr. Scheetz was my Immigration Lawyer. Everything seemed to turn from black to white after meeting with him. His immediate attention and action were extremely impressive. Thank you!

– Gina B.

I am so grateful for what Mr. Scheetz did for my cousin William J., he saved his life. And also he proved me wrong. My family and I are eternally thankful for all his efforts.

– Mike N.

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