Deferred Action for Childhood ArrivalsThe International Institute is here to help with Deferred Action applications. We have partnered with some of the most dedicated legal and social service providers in Connecticut, and have extended our hours to provide information sessions, individual consultations, and assistance in preparing an application for this benefit.
You may request consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) if you:
-Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
-Came to the United States before reaching your 16th birthday;
-Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
-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;
-Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
-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
-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.
For more information on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, you may visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals.
Please don't hesitate to contact one of our offices for more information about DACA, to co-sponsor an information session, or to schedule an appointment for assistance.
"How Do I Apply?"
Putting together a great request for DACA will require some homework!
Contact one of the Institute offices to register for Saturday open hours or to schedule an appointment with one of our professional immigration counselors: Bridgeport (203) 336 0141, Stamford (203) 965 7190, or Hartford at (860) 692 3085.
To successfully acquire deferred action, you will need to meet a number of eligibility requirements and put together a package of evidence that demonstrates your residency in the US (among other things). Our skilled immigration counselors will guide you through every step of the way. We will help you to fill out the required forms, which include form I-821D, I-765 (and I-765WS), all of which can be found at www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals. There is a great deal of additional documentation that will support your request, which may include written affidavits to explain absences from the US, gaps in continuous residence documentation, criminal issues, or other complex issues such as previous immigration issues. Institute staff will help you to prepare these affidavits and be available to answer your questions before and after your request is submitted.
You will need a lot of evidence to present a strong case to USCIS. Bring as much documentation with you to your initial meeting with Institute staff. Please refer to the following list for examples of documents you can submit to prove that you meet and exceed the requirements: Preparation_Documents
Oh! And don't forget the "You Rock" factor! This is not an entitlement benefit, but is your one-time shot at a request you will make to USCIS. The adjudicator will assess the merit of your request and make a decision, for which there is no appeal. So take this opportunity to show off! Academic awards, community service, extra curricular activities?
Let 'em know you rock!!
What Makes the IICONN Different?
The Institute’s legal staff members are counselors. We are here to guide you through this confusing and complex process, and to ease the burden of applying for this immigration benefit. Our counselors are approachable and empathetic, and will continue to be a caseworker throughout the entire process.
There are other models around the state. Some involve computer-generated screening tools, volunteer-based assistance with “self-filing” which may be free, and expensive private counsel.Here is what makes our model different:
Information Sessions, Consultations,
and Extended Office Hours*
Learn about DACA & meet with our immigration staff to prepare your application**
Bridgeport Office
Saturday August 18th, 25th, September 8th, 15th, 23rd
8:30 - Registration
9:30 - Information Session
The Bridgeport Office will have extended hours on Saturdays and Tuesdays for DACA clients. However, Bridgeport DACA assistance is by appointment only. We enourage you to come to an information session before your appointment so you know exactly what materials to bring. Please call (203) 336-0141 to schedule an appointment.
Stamford Office
Saturday August 18th, 25th, September 8th, 15th, 23rd
9:00 - Registration
9:30 - Information Session
9:00am - 3pm Consultations and Application Assistance
Hartford Office
Saturday August 18th, 25th, September 8th
9:00 - Registration
10:00 - Information Session
9:00 - 2pm Consultations and Application Assistance
Valley Outreach Project - At Valley Regional Adult Education (VRAE)
Saturday August 18th (25th TBD)
9:00 - Registration
9:30 - Information Session
10am - 2pm Consultations and Application Assistance
Derby Information Session
Wednesday August 29th
at the Derby Public Library
313 Elizabeth Street Derby, CT 06418
5:00 PM- 7:30 PM
Special Information Session hosted by USCIS
Thursday August 23rd 4pm - 5:30pm
Central High School Cafeteria, 1 Lincoln Boulevard, Bridgeport, CT
Co-Sponsored by CT Students 4 a Dream, Catholic Charities and IICONN
Stop by any of our Saturday open hours, attend an info session or get a consultation and then come back the next week to complete applications. Appointments may also be made at the Hartford, Bridgeport, and Stamford offices.
While this is a great first step in the long fight for the Dream Act and comprehensive immigration reform - it comes with risks. Help spread the word that DACA requires some legal assistance from either a reputable attorney or BIA recognized agency, such as the International Institute. BIA recognition is a special status given by the Department of Justice which allows charitable organizations the authorization to provide legal assistance to immigrants like you! That means you are protected! Don't get taken advantage of by notarios, and help ensure others don't get exploited either. You can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, volunteer your extra time at the Institute, or join an advocacy group like CT Students 4 a DREAM!