On Nov. 20, President Barack Obama released an immigration plan that may affect those who have either already settled in Florida or who are attempting to immigrate to Florida. In the address, Obama agreed that the current immigration system was not working and that changes needed to be made.
The plan would reportedly provide protection against deportation against approximately 5 million people who have children who are U.S. citizens. The plan would reportedly defer deportation action for 3-year periods, with the condition that the person had been in the United States for at least five years and on agreement that they would pay taxes. They would also be required to pass a criminal background check. The deferred action would also grant work authorization for those who were eligible.
Additionally, the plan would also seek to keep skilled workers within the United States. In order to do this, job portability would be increased for those who could not get a visa due to the annual cap. Spouses of skilled immigrants may also be protected through work authorizations. Additionally, the plan would also expand the training program, which gives foreign students who graduate in the U.S. the opportunity to stay in the country for 29 months in order to work in their field.
This executive order may give immigrants the opportunity to move and work in the country. Because there are regulations, an immigration attorney may assist the parent of a U.S. citizen or someone who is seeking to defer deportation. If the person has a case, the attorney may provide a strong representation for their client in either administrative agencies or federal courts, especially if the person has a criminal record or law violations. Additionally, the attorney may potentially assist their clients with seeking asylum.
Source: Bloomberg, “Obama Immigration Order to Impact Millions, Includes Provisions for High-Skilled Workers”, November 24, 2014
