The number of undocumented young people applying for a temporary stay of deportation, known as DACA applications, was significantly lower in the first half of November, according to statistics released by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The Obama administration program known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals — which allows qualifying young undocumented immigrants to remain in the country and apply for a work permit — has been in effect since August 15. In September and October, an average of 5,700 and 5,300 people applied for the program per day. That daily average dropped to 4,500 for the first half of November.
Immigration specialists attribute the drop in applications to November’s election, as many DREAMers were afraid to file with the uncertainty of who would be elected. Presidential Nominee Mitt Romney had stated that he would end the DACA program if he were to be elected.
So far, more than 53,000 Dreamers have been approved for deferred action. The program is temporary and is only available to young people who meet certain qualifications, like attending or graduating from high school.
If you would like to learn more about how you or your children may qualify for Deferred Action, email Anna Hysell at anna@ahvisalaw.com.
