Tucson, Ariz. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today highlighted immigration rules taking effect tomorrow allowing eligible undocumented American residents to apply for deferred enforcement status and work permits, and announced an upcoming community orientation forum in Nogales to help Southern Arizonans understand the new policy.

The Obama administration recently announced through administrative authority that, on a case-by-case basis, it will grant deferred enforcement action and work authorization to people who meet the following criteria:

• Have come to the U.S. before the age of 16;
• Have resided continuously in the U.S. prior to June 15 and are currently present in the U.S.;
• Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have a GED certificate or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or U.S. armed forces;
• Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;
• Are not above the age of thirty.

The new policy does not provide a path to legal permanent residence in the United States. Rep. Grijalva has long been a champion of comprehensive reform legislation that would create a path to legal citizenship for applicants who meet rigorous criteria.

Rep. Grijalva will be at the Nogales workshop to deliver remarks. Several members of organizations accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals to provide legal services will be on hand to answer questions, as will members of Rep. Grijalva’s staff.

For a list of Board of Immigration Appeals-approved free legal services providers in Arizona, visit http://1.usa.gov/OWDsbV. For a list of federally accredited immigration assistance organizations in Arizona, visit http://1.usa.gov/NBkmao. For a full explanation of how to apply for deferred status, including fees and forms, visit http://1.usa.gov/RM1oSL.

If You Go

When: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on August 18
Where: VFW Hall, 653 N. Grand Ave. in Nogales
Who: Rep. Grijalva, Congressional staff, immigration legal experts
For more information: Call Rep. Grijalva’s Tucson district office at (520) 622-6788