The Obama administration announced today that it will begin reviewing the case files of the estimated 300,000 illegal immigrants in deportation proceedings to determine which individuals should be released from custody and possibly allowed to obtain work authorization. The administration said the move is an attempt to concentrate resources on criminal aliens who pose a high risk to the country and national security.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will also begin prioritizing its enforcement procedures to ensure "low-priority" illegal immigrants, those who pose no public safety risk, or who likely came to the country unlawfully only to work, do not enter the deportation process in the first place.
"We are taking steps to maximize the extent to which the folks in the deportation caseload are consistent with our highest priorities and to keep folks who are not consistent with those priorities out of the caseload in the first case," an official who spoke on background told reporters during a conference call.
DHS officials stressed, however, that the decision does not translate to automatic legal residency or amnesty, but instead the cases will be "stayed." They could be reopened if the government finds reason to do so. Work authorization will be determined on a case-by-case basis and is not automatic, they said.
White House and immigration officials said they would exercise "prosecutorial discretion" to focus enforcement efforts on cases involving criminals and people who have flagrantly violated immigration laws.
Under the new policy, the secretary of homeland security, Janet Napolitano, can provide relief, on a case-by-case basis, to young people who are in the country illegally but pose no threat to national security or to the public safety.
The new policy is expected to help thousands of illegal immigrants who came to the United States as young children, graduated from high school and want to go on to college or serve in the armed forces.
About Antonio Revilla
Antonio Revilla is a Former U.S. Immigration Prosecutor and Miami Immigration Lawyer. Mr. Revilla founded his immigration law practice, Revilla Law Firm, when he saw a dire need for aggressive immigration representation and deportation defense in order to keep families united.
Mr. Revilla has over 18 years of litigation experience and has dedicated his career to educating the public on the importance of immigration reform in our country. He has appeared on television to discuss various immigration issues and the benefits of passing bills such as the DREAM Act.
If you wish to receive more information about any immigration issue, you can contact Revilla Law Firm at 305-858-2323 to speak with Antonio Revilla. He can also be reached via email at arevilla@immigrationmiami.com or by phone (305) 858-2323.
Florida Bar Member Since 1992
Officer of the American Immigration Lawyers Association
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