As I put my fingers to the keyboard, I listen to the radio announce news of hope for "The Dreamers". The Illinois Coalition For Immigrant and Refugee Rights are today processing applications for D.A.C.A. That is, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. This is an effort by the Obama administration to give a chance to young people who entered the United States as minors without the necessary legal documents, to apply for this common sense solution for young people who are in a very difficult position through no fault of theirs. The following quotation from USCIS is a summary of the temporary fix that the DHS is offering at this time.

"As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to focus its enforcement resources on the removal of individuals who pose a danger to national security or a risk to public safety, including individuals convicted of crimes with particular emphasis on violent criminals, felons, and repeat offenders, DHS will exercise prosecutorial discretion as appropriate to ensure that enforcement resources are not expended on low priority cases, such as individuals who came to the United States as children and meet other key guidelines.  Individuals who demonstrate that they meet the guidelines below may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and may be eligible for employment authorization.

You may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals if you:   

1. Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
2. Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
3. Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;  
4. 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;
5. Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
6. 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
7. Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety."

It is important to point out that this this is a temporary fix and is only valid for a period of two years. The hope is that following the elections in November that the elected officials in Congress, will find a more comprehensive and long lasting solution to the bigger problems in our immigration system.

For more information on D.A.C.A., go to theImmigration Policy Center website.