Mexican consular offices in the U.S. are preparing to help out young people hoping for relief from deportation under the Obama Administration’s new “deferred action” policy. The Bay Area News Group reported Monday that the Mexican Embassy is partnering with the United We Dream network to host informational workshops on the new policy across the country.
United We Dream is also partnering with other Latin American and Filipino consulates in the U.S., the news group reported.
Under the immigration policy change Obama announced last month, undocumented youth (age 15 and up) who came to the U.S. before age 16, were younger than 31 on June 15, 2012 and have no criminal record are potentially eligible for a work permit and Social Security number.
While the process will be entirely handled by the U.S. government, Mexican consulates are stepping up to field questions and advise potential applicants.
Alberto Diaz, press attaché at the Mexican consulate in San Diego, said they’ve been distributing a brochure with information about the deferred action policy throughout San Diego County. The brochure is also on the consulate’s website.
Additionally, potential applicants can get free counseling from consular attorneys during weekly free orientation sessions held at the San Diego consulate on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Diaz emphasized that potential applicants should not hire an attorney or notario at this time. Immigrant advocacy organizations like United We Dream have cautioned the same thing.
The Obama Administration is expected to announce the requirements in early August and start accepting applications mid-August.
