executive action immigration workshop
TRANSCRIPT
EXECUTIVE ACTION IMMIGRATION WORKSHOP
Presented by: Cowles & Thompson, P.C.
EXECUTIVE ACTION PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT CHANGES
• Employment based Green cards – increased efficiency for faster processing
• Increased portability for employment green card applicants
• H-4 work authorization
• Expansion of NIW and temporary parole as option for entrepreneurs, researchers, and inventors
EXECUTIVE ACTION PROPOSED EMPLOYMENT CHANGES
(CONT)
• F-1 Students Optional Practical Training (OPT) expansion of STEM fields and extension of OPT beyond 29 months
• Review and modernize PERM labor certification processes
• Enforcement group to protect immigrant rights
DEFERRED ACTION FOR CHILDHOOD ARRIVALS (DACA) AND DEFERRED
ACTION FOR PARENTAL ACCOUNTABILITY (DAPA)
BRIEFLY…•DACA and DAPA provides temporary protection against deportation/removal for those who qualify.
• If approved, a person is eligible to stay and work in the U.S for a period of time.
DACA REQUIREMENTS
Came to the U.S. before age 16;
Have continuously resided in the United States since January 1, 2010; and
Physically present in the U.S. on November 20, 2014 and at the time of making the request
DACA REQUIREMENTS
•Currently in school, graduated from high school or have a GED
•Or have been honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States.
Old DACA New DACAEntered the US before age 16 Entered the US before age 16
Entered before 6/7/2007 Entered before 1/1/2010
OUT of STATUS as of 06/15/2012
OUT of STATUS as of 11/20/2014
Lived continuously in the US since 06/15/2012
Lived continuously in the US since 01/01/2010
Under 31 years old as of 06/15/2012
No age limit!
Term 2 years Term 3 years
DAPA REQUIREMENTS Has U.S. citizen or permanent resident child as of November 20, 2014,
Have continuously resided in the United States since January 1, 2010,
Physically present in the U.S. on November 20, 2014 and at the time of making the request, and
Has paid or is willing to pay taxes owed
DACA AND DACA REQUIREMENTS
Have not been convicted of:
•Felony
•Significant Misdemeanor
•Multiple Minor Misdemeanors
DACA AND DACA BENEFITS
• Protection from deportation (“removal”)
• Employment Authorization (EAD)
• Social Security Number (SS#)
• Drivers license (State-by-state issue)
What should I do
to prepare?
PROOF OF IDENTITY
•Official Birth Certificate
•Passport/MatriculaConsular
• Identification Cards from school, work, membership, driver’s license
PROOF OF USC/LPR CHILDREN
FOR DAPA APPLICANTS
You will need your child’s:
•Official U.S. Birth Certificate
• If child was not born in U.S. , get official birth certificate, and•Green Card or
•US Passport or
•US naturalization certificate
PROOF OF PRESENCE•School records
•Bank statements
• Immunization Records
•Church Records
•Work Records -W-2s or 1099
• Tax Returns
•Phone Records
• Lease/Ownership Property Records
CRIMINAL RECORDS
FUTURE RECORDS
• Keep all documents related to the offense
• Don’t have a future record
PAST RECORDS
• Request certified copies from the court
• Proof of expunged records
CONSULT WITH A CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY REGARDING
ANY CRIMINAL MATTER.
FAMILY UNITY WAIVER (I-601A)
What does it do ?
• Allows individuals who have accrued more than 180 days of unlawful presence in the U.S. to obtain a green card
Who does it help?
• The spouse, sons and daughters of U.S. citizens AND
• The spouse, sons or daughters of legal permanent residents
What is Required?
An approved family petition and an immigrant visa available
WHY YOU NEED AN ATTORNEY
Immigration applications are never “just forms.” There are complex legal rules and consequences to every application.
Facts of each case are different. The information provided here is general in nature and should not be relied upon for specific situations and is not legal advice.
Consult with an experienced immigration attorney to get the right advice.
WHAT AN ATTORNEY SHOULD DO FOR YOU
Advise you of the law and your options
Thoroughly review your case facts Recommend your best course of
action Represent and defend you before
the government Prepare or review all legal
documentsMonitor the status of your case
GET QUALIFIED HELP! AVOID IMMIGRATION
SCAMS
ATTORNEY QUALIFICATIONS
•Focused on immigration law
•Reputation for excellent service, trustworthy, and quick response to clients
• Lots of experience in immigration cases
•Strong organization
CONSULTATIONS
Complete questionnaire
Meet with Cowles & Thompson
attorney for 10 minutes
Get information on How to
Hire Attorney for Fastest
Service
Provide contact
information for
immigration updates
Marilou Martinez Stevens
CPA & Associates, P.C.
851 S RL Thornton Freeway
Suite #102
Dallas, TX 75203
Tel: 214-946-9326
Fax: 214-946-2834
FEDERAL TAX RETURNS
1. What is a ITIN(individual tax identification
Number)? How is one obtained?
2. If I have not filed federal tax returns, how many
years of taxes return most I filed? Will I pay taxes?
3. When should I start filing my tax returns?
4. What if I did not keep any records to prepare tax
returns?
5. Difference between employee and contractor?