Recently, there has been a lot of news coverage as to what the Dream Act means for millions of younger students that are currently have no immigration status. In this blog our hope is that we can educate our potential clients and provide more information on the Dream Act. President Barack Obama has finally brought to light a policy that will provide permanent residency to law-abiding immigrants who graduate from High School or serve in the U.S. military.

Under the administration plan, illegal immigrants in Sacramento, California and across the U.S., will be immune from deportation if they were brought to the United States before turning 16 and are between the ages of 12 and 35. They would have to be in the country for at least five continuous years, have good moral character, graduated from a U.S. High School or earned a GED, or have been accepted into an institution of higher education.

Through the Dream Act, a student or veteran will receive Conditional Permanent Residency.

However, individuals approved for this act will have to A.) enroll in an institution of higher education in order to pursue a bachelor’s degree or higher degree or B.) enlist in one of the branches of the United States Military within 6 years after receiving approval for Conditional Permanent Residency. Once 5½ years of the 6 years have passed, the individual will then be able to apply for Legal Permanent Residency (dropping the conditional part) and consequently will be able to apply for United States Citizenship. Those who have already completed at least 2 years of college education towards a bachelor’s degree or higher degree, will still have to wait the 5½ years in order to apply for Legal Permanent Residency even though you may have already obtained a degree. Students or veterans who do not complete the requirements will be disqualified and could face deportation.

Due to the ambiguity of the process of this act, we recommend that you contact our office and let an experienced Sacramento immigration attorney assist you with the procedure. We understand, through our clients, what it is like to have the constant fear of being deported. Our suggestion is that you take advantage of this new policy and let us help guide you through it. We will be there for you through every step of the process.