Resources for Deferred Action

Below are several resources that individuals interested in Deferred Action can use to better understand the process. For general questions regarding Deferred Action please call the New York State New Americans Hotline at: 1-800-566-7636.

Have You Heard of Deferred Action? (pdf)

Resources from the Federal Government

• Deferred Action is now available and individuals can file for it using form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.


• Secretary Napolitano’s June 15, 2012 announcement provides an overview of deferred action and the requirements proposed. This announcement is also available in Spanish. In addition, on August 3, 2012, the Secretary released more guidance, including an FAQ.


• DHS has also published a “How Do I Request Consideration of Deferred Action” flier for youth and a Deferred Action Flowchart.


• This USCIS blog contains tips for filing and filling out Deferred Action applications.


• The Board of Immigration Appeals maintains a list of recognized organizations and Accredited Representatives that may provide free or low cost legal services.


• The Federal Trade Commission has published tips on who can help individuals on immigration matters.


• The Mexican Consulate in New York City has many resources on their web site, including a Spanish-language Deferred Action factsheet (pdf) and a glossary of Deferred Action Terms.

Information from Agencies and Not-for-profit Organizations

• Pace Law School’s Pace Community Law Practice *Now Accepting “Dreamer” Deferred Action Cases* (pdf)
  The Pace Community Law Practice (PCLP) opened its doors on September 5, 2012. Our mission is to expand the availability of high quality legal services to the Hudson Valley community by providing sliding scale legal services for low-to-moderate-income individuals.
  en Español (pdf)


• Council Initiative Brings CUNY Citizenship Now! Services to 30 City Neighborhoods
  The New York City Council along with CUNY Citizenship Now! will provide free high-quality and confidential legal immigration services to help individuals and families on their path to U.S. citizenship. The services, which begin October 1, 2012, will be offered at 30 different locations on a weekly or monthly basis over the next year.


• Hispanic Federation to Award $50,000 in Support of America’s DREAMers
  The Federation will select and provide 100 deserving immigrant youth with scholarships to cover the cost of the Deferred Action Program application


• The Legal Aid Society has published a factsheet for individuals interested in Deferred Action.


• United We Dream has published a FAQ for youth interested in learning more about Deferred Action.


• The Immigration Advocates Network provides an overview of Deferred Action on this PowerPoint.


• A FAQ sheet was prepared by the National Immigration Project on what having a criminal record can mean for Deferred Action.


• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has published a one-page chart that provides a brief overview of how a criminal history can affect an individual’s application for Deferred Action. The chart is intended as a general reference and corresponds with the longer DACA Criminal Bars FAQ.


• The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has also published advisory reviews of the general requirements of Deferred Action to help defenders identify eligible clients.


• The New York Immigration Coalition has developed a checklist that individuals can use to start gathering documents that might be needed to apply for Deferred Action.


• CLINIC has several Deferred Action resources on their web site including an anti-fraud flier,
  eligibility factsheets in English and Spanish, and a self screening form.


• Individuals who are interested in earning a GED, which could be a component of meeting the educational requirements needed to qualify for Deferred Action, can find more information at the NYS Education Department.

Legal Referral Services

• The New York State Bar Association lists free or low-cost attorneys throughout New York State for individuals who are trying to find legal representation.


• In New York City, the New York City Bar Association offers a legal referral service for individuals who need legal representation.


• The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) offers attorney referrals focusing on attorneys that specialize in immigration cases.