Deferred Action Application Process Begins For Some Illegal Immigrants

(Memphis) Ricardo Aquino came to the United States from Guatemala ten years ago, when he was just a teenager, “For me this is a big dream big dream you know.”

Because he’s not an American citizen, Aquino says he runs into problems supporting his wife and two children.

“I`m not worried for me, I’m worried for my family. I would like to fix my life, because I want everything better for me.”

Aquino is applying for Deferred Action, which indefinitely delays the deportation of certain young immigrants in the country illegally.

“I have big dreams, but because I have no papers, this is a big deal for me,” said Aquino.

To qualify for Deferred Action an applicant must have come to the US before the age of sixteen, and be between the ages of fifteen and thirty now. They must have also come to the US before June of 2007 and be enrolled in school, received a GED or served and been honorably discharged from the military.

“This is what we’ve been waiting for,” said Mauricio Calvo, Executive Director of Latino Memphis.

Latino Memphis and has been holding forums to teach people about the application process.

“There’s a definite interest in the community. Everyone is talking about it so there is a lot of excitement,” said Calvo.

Jerald Johnson is unemployed and is not so excited.

He is afraid the deferred action will make it harder for him to get a job, “That’s going to be less jobs for us for the citizens who are already here. They don`t need to do that. I’m definitely not for that.”

Latino Memphis is telling people to take their time, and gather the evidence they will need to apply online.

That evidence includes proof of residency and criminal background checks.

Calvo expects the entire application process to take around six months.