Today, the Obama administration is implementing a new Deferred Action Program that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will administer. This program, which operates as a form of prosecutorial discretion, offers young people who are in the United States with no legal immigration status the opportunity to avoid deportation for at least two years and to gain work authorization.

The program is now open to individuals who: (1) were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012; (2) came to the United States before reaching their 16th birthday; (3) have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007; (4) were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012; (5) entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or had no lawful immigration status as of June 15, 2012; (6) 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 (7) have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, or do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety. DHS published a helpful guide offering more in-depth guidance on the eligibility requirements for deferred action.