On 08.21.12 | In USCIS Blog, By USCIS Info
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If you are at all interested in immigration, I’m sure you’ve heard the buzz about deferred action. The new policy, which was implemented on August 15th, 2012, is officially called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
So what is it? The DACA program allows undocumented youth a two year reprieve from any action towards deportation or removal as well as a two year work authorization subject to renewal.
Does Deferred Action allow you to legally work?
Yes. Part of the application for deferred action is filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and Form I-765WS, Worksheet. If approved for the policy, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and will be able to work legally in the U.S. for a period of two years subject to renewal.
Does Deferred Action keep you from being deported?
Yes. The policy of deferred action is the de-prioritizing of deportation and removal proceedings such that eligible candidates are the lowest priority and criminals are the highest priority.
Is Deferred Action Legal Status?
No. Deferred action does not grant temporary legal status as it does not grant you a visa or any other immigration document. Also the crime of unlawful presence is not forgiven. However, you do not accrue unlawful presence during the two year period of deferment.
Is Deferred Action Amnesty?
No. Amnesty essentially means to be forgiven. Because deferred action does not forgive you for the years you spent in the U.S. without proper documentation, it is not an amnesty policy.
Does Deferred Action provide a path to permanent residence or citizenship?
No. Unfortunately, deferred action does not provide legal status or a path to permanent residence or citizenship but only temporary work authorization and a temporary deferment from removal subject to renewal.
On 08.16.12 | In USCIS Blog, By USCIS Info
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On August 10th, 2012 President Obama issued an executive order to implement a policy on prevention and response to violence against women and girls globally.
The policy announced has put gender equality and women’s rights at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy. U.S. foreign policy is upheld by three noble pillars—diplomacy, development, and defense. Friday’s executive order calls for all relevant agencies to implement this strategy effective immediately.
In an effort to end gender based crimes, which span the world over in the forms of domestic abuse, rape, mutilation and many more inhumane acts, the new policy is built on the ideology that the success of a society is largely due to the empowerment of its women.
The executive order also called for relevant government agencies to work together in implementing the policy—an Interagency Working Group. Agencies among this group are the Department of Treasury, the Department of Justice, the National Security Staff, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
On 08.09.12 | In USCIS Blog, By USCIS Info
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Social Security is a reference to the Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) federal program. Funds of this program provide for social welfare and social insurance programs.
OASDI is the largest government program in the world and has a larger budget than any other federal program including defense.
The Social Security Administration tracks the earnings of its users. This is the purpose of having a social security number. The amount of money people earn throughout their life and the length of time they work determines the monthly benefits they receive as well as the age the benefactor decides to start collecting. This is why it is often referred to as the “pay-as-you-go” system.
The earliest age to start collecting benefits from social security is 62, however the minimum age has increased and now is at age 67 (for persons who have been born after 1960). It is expected that the minimum age will continue to rise as the federal budget is drained due to a deficient economy and as life expectancy rates raise.
As more and more employers require employees to have social security numbers, it has reached such popularity that almost all U.S. residents can be identified by their social security numbers. The social security number is now often used as an identifier.
There are three types of social security cards:
- The most popular types is for U.S. permanent residents and citizens and allows them to work without restriction.
- The second type reads “valid for work only with DHS authorization” and is for nonimmigrants who have temporary work authorization.
- The third type reads “not valid for employment” and cannot be used for employment authorization.
If you wish to work in the U.S. it is likely that you will need a social security number. Also if you wish to collect from social security once you retire, you will need a social security number and a social security account that you have paid into. Apply for a social security card at www.ssa.gov.
On 08.01.12 | In USCIS Blog, By USCIS Info
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On July 25, 2012 the Department of State announced the four U.S. dance companies that would participate in the third season of DanceMotion USA.
DanceMotion USA is a public-private partnership between the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program is a U.S. based exchange program which strives to embrace a policy of smart diplomacy, cultivating friendships and community between diverse nations.
The U.S. dance companies & the countries they will visit this year are:
• Doug Varone and Dancers (based in New York, NY) will tour in Argentina, Paraguay, and Peru
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago (based in Chicago, IL) will tour in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia
• llstyle and Peace Productions (based in Philadelphia, PA) will tour in Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine
• Spectrum Dance Theater (based in Seattle, WA) will tour in Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka
A South American dance ensemble will be hosted in the U.S. and collaborate with Doug Varone and Dancers.
The 2012 second season was a great success. Four dance companies toured fourteen countries March through June. Along with 85 performances, dancers also hosted a series of workshops for locals and participated in cultural activities of the visiting country—from Tai Chi in Guangzhou, China to tap dancing in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
