Catholic Charities to support those requesting assistance for DACA temporary status

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington continues providing assistance to clients that qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals mandate recently issued by President Barack Obama.

Deferred action is a temporary immigration status granted by the USCIS based on a variety of factor to those who typically lack other means of obtaining the right to remain in the United States. Those who are granted DACA receive two years of protection against removal or the initiation of removal proceedings and two years of employment authorization. Spouses and children do not qualify for benefits unless they independently satisfy the eligibility requirements.

DACA requirements are as follows: persons arrived in the United States when they were under the age of 16; persons have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, and were physically in the United States in June 12, 2012; persons are currently in school, have graduated from school, or have obtained a general education development certificate; persons who have no criminal record; persons between the ages of 15 to 30.

Richelle Vible, executive director, said, “Catholic Charities welcomes those who need help in understanding this mandate and filing for DACA status to attend our information sessions. The sessions will allow us to reach a large number of people quickly with the information they need to determine their individual status, and then follow up with those individuals who need assistance."

For information, call Catholic Charities Main Office in Delaware at 302-655-9624, or the Seton Center in Maryland at 410-651-9608.