<p>The first day to apply for the limited amnesty policy previously announced by the USCIS started today, August 15, 2012. In June, the USCIS issued a memorandum  announcing that DHS will offer deferred action for two years to certain  young people who came to the U.S. as children and meet other  eligibility criteria.  Individuals who receive deferred action will not  be placed into removal proceedings or removed from the U.S. for the  duration of the grant.  Individuals in removal proceedings, those with  final orders, and those who have never been in removal proceedings will  be able to affirmatively request deferred action from USCIS.</p>
<p>According to USCIS<a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.eb1d4c2a3e5b9ac89243c6a7543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=f2ef2f19470f7310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=f2ef2f19470f7310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD" target="_blank"></a>, an individual who meets the following criteria may apply for deferred action:</p>
<ol>
<li>Was under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;</li>
<li>Came to the U.S. before reaching his/her 16th birthday;</li>
<li>Has continuously resided in the U.S. since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;</li>
<li>Was physically present in the U.S. on June 15, 2012, and at the time of application to USCIS;</li>
<li>Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;</li>
<li>Is currently in school, has graduated or obtained a certificate of  completion from high school, has obtained a GED, or is an honorably  discharged veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard or the U.S. Armed Forces; and</li>
<li>Has not been convicted of a felony, a "significant misdemeanor," three or more other misdemeanors, or does not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;</li>
</ol>
<p>To request deferred action from USCIS, individuals must submit:<a href="http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=05faf6c546129310VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&amp;vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD" target="_blank"></a></p>
<p>1.  Form I-821D, Consideration of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals</p>
<p>2.  I-765,  Application for Employment Authorization</p>
<p>3.  I-765WS,  Worksheet</p>
<p>4.   Fee of $465.</p>