Blanca Reyes, Photography Editor
Representatives of several non-profit organizations were present on Richland campus to inform the community about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) programs Wednesday.
The object was to inform students, faculty, staff members and anyone who wanted or needed information about the changes in DACA and how to be prepared to apply for DAPA, if this program is activated.
Organizations presented were Projecto Immigrante, Catholic Charities of Dallas, New Hope Immigration Services and Baptist Immigration Services.
Attendees asked if they could apply for DAPA right now since there are reports of people offering fraudulent services in the guise of helping people to apply for the program.
Douglas Interino, founder of Projecto Immigrant, said that currently there is nothing to do but be prepared because the action is on standby due to the collective lawsuit presented by 26 states, including Texas.
Even though there is not a final decision yet and nobody can predict any result, representatives of all the organizations said they are expecting a positive decision from the court.
Luis Arango, Catholic Charities’ representative and lawyer, said that one of the most important things that they were doing is to determine eligibility, which is still confusing for many people.
Interino said that’s why it is critically important to make contact with people who really know about immigration such as immigration lawyers or people working for a non-profit organization accredited in immigration and nationality law.
“There is a lot of fraud going on, but let me be clear that the programs have been suspended.” Interino said. “Temporarily suspension is there, but then the circuit court of appeals are about to give its decision whether the legal injunction will proceed or whether they will terminate the legal injunction.”
Interino was explicit warning the immigrant community, which sometimes is unaware of U.S. laws, to avoid getting help from notaries, who lack of the proper knowledge.
“They [immigrants] can’t apply yet because there is not application ready for it,” Interino said.
“Basically, the only thing that we can do is to get prepared,” Arango said.
Edward Sanchez, who is the head of North Texas Dream Team, said there are many ways to be active in immigration issues, and voting is a strong and helpful way.
Sanchez said although the part of the community which will be benefited by these programs can’t vote, he encourages people to share information with their friends, neighbors and any people who may be aware about the issue. Sanchez also said there is a lot of support out there; the barrier is the lack of knowledge of it.
Sanchez added that part of the problem is people who are documented are aware of the situation, so they can’t help.
In the forum, representatives stressed they are trying to use this time to inform the community about the requirements and who will be able to apply. Some of the recommendations were to save money, not to travel aboard and to be on guard against fraud.
Although right now there is not an exact cost for the process, the fee that has been discussed released is $465 per person.
Another concern addressed was whether the Immigration Department will share applicants’ information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“Absolutely, it is a credible fear when you are willingly giving your information up to a government agency … but there is a certain part of the immigration code that criminalize revealing this information for purposes others than it was intended,” Sanchez said. “Their information will not be used against them in the future.”
Sanchez said the only time the information would be used against applicants will be if they lie or if the person applies with criminal disqualifications.
“Those are the only two scenarios, lying or applying when you know you have a criminal conviction that disqualifies you,” Sanchez said. “Other than that, your information is safe.”
Also, it was said that if an applicant is denied, his/her information will not trigger a referral to ICE unless the circumstances named before. In fact, there will be the possibility to reapply if the denied is for lack of enough information.
Arango said that people who qualify for DAPA and DAPA, based in the enforcement criteria established, are a low enforcement priority for deportation.
“I would encourage people who are eligible for one of these programs to apply,” Arango said.
All the organizations whose representatives attended the forum offer their services for low cost or even free to anyone who may need it. People can receive help with all the immigration matters.
North Texas Dream Team even offers help when somebody is facing deportation. Also, Sanchez said if people are afraid of ICE raids in work places or elsewhere also, they can call 1-800-END-1ICE or text ENDOURPAIN to 877877.
For more information, visit the webpages of any of the organizations mentioned in this article or to any accredited non-profit organization.
Requirements to qualify for DAPA:
• Be the parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (residency cardholder) born before Nov. 20, 2014.
• Have lived in the U.S. since Jan. 1, 2010.
• Been in the U.S. on Nov. 20, 2014 and the date applying for the Deferred Action.
• Have no lawful immigration status in the U.S. on Nov. 20, 2014.
• Submit to, and pass, security and criminal background check.
Those facing imminent deportation can call 1-800-END-1ICE or text ENDOURPAIN to 877877.
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