10
September
2012
|
09:50 AM
America/Chicago

UHD to Host Information Session for Students Seeking Deferred Action

This month is a monumental one for undocumented young immigrants in the United States. As a result of a recent executive order, undocumented young adults now may apply for a two-year deferment from potential deportation, during which they may reside and work legally.

The new national program is open to undocumented individuals who immigrated to the U.S. before reaching their 16th birthday. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website, individuals may request consideration for deferment if they:

  • Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
  • Have continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
  • Were physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making a request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;
  • Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or their 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 U.S.; and
  • Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three of more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

The University of Houston System, of which the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is a component university, recently launched a program to assist and provide information to individuals who qualify for this deferment. Students who are interested in learning more about the program or who may be eligible for deferred action are encouraged to attend an information session in the Special Events Center (A300) on the UHD campus Thursday, Sept. 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. UHD students and potential students also can contact Liza Alonzo, assistant dean of students, at 713.221.8100 or deferredaction@uhd.edu with any questions.

"A special hallmark of UHD is our widely diverse student body," said Alonzo. "We exist to provide a top-quality education to all of our students and help pave the way for their own individual success. I welcome all student feedback and questions about this program, as we work together to remove all barriers to graduation."

Individuals interested in the program also are encouraged to visit UHD's deferred action and immigration assistance website at www.uhd.edu/deferredaction for periodic updates and information.