© 2012 Farhad Sethna, Attorney

The Deferred Action process which was instituted by USICE memoranda over a year ago has not got off to a great start. By current estimates, only 2-5% of pending removal cases have been granted Deferred Action by the USICE (United States Immigration & Customs Enforcement). Stringent USICE requirements have prevented more cases from being administratively closed.

One of the ways to enhance your “Deferred Action” claim is to show the USICE that you use your time and skills in order to help your community. This may be through volunteering at various churches, food kitchens, soccer camps, your children’s schools, or any other venue where you demonstrate your commitment to America and its residents. This can come across as being difficult for some people especially if a background check is necessary since you may not have a valid social security number or legal US status. But for those who do have a valid social security number or do not need to undergo a background check, immigration status is not a bar to volunteering in the public or private sector. Please do consider volunteering and giving the best of your skills and talents to help America. In doing so, you may also be helping yourself.

Please be aware that volunteering should not be considered solely for enhancing your Deferred Action petition. You should volunteer if you believe in what you’re doing and if you have a commitment in continuing with that volunteer work. Please do not volunteer and then leave your volunteering position once you receive Deferred Action because it will reflect poorly on any future application for Deferred Action and it will hurt the people you were serving as a volunteer.

Try to put your skills to good use and help the country that you want to call “home”.

This is only for your general information about emerging trends in immigration law. It is not intended to be specific advice about your case. Please consult an immigration attorney for advice on your specific case.