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Change in Immigration Policy May Increase Enrollment

Posted on 07/05/2012

On June 15, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced (www) a new immigration policy granting deferred action for two years to to those subject to potential removal from the U.S. The deferment is renewable and, if granted, may provide eligibility to apply for employment authorization. To be eligible, immigrants under age 30 must document that they were brought to the U.S. under the age of 16, do not present a risk to national security or public safety, and have continuously resided in the U.S. for the past five years. In addition—and this criterion may impact enrollment, including for community colleges and adult education programs—the policy states that eligible individuals “Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States.” DHS has 60 days to implement the policy and is not yet accepting applications. Please watch for updates at uscis.gov or call 1-800-375-5283. OVAE Connection will announce when more information is available.

From the OVAE Connection (www), newsletter of the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, U. S. Department of Education, July 5, 2012.