There are approximately 1.76 million unauthorized immigrant young adults and children in the United States who currently are — or in the future would be — potential beneficiaries of the deferred action initiative, which was announced by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on June 15, 2012. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it expects to begin accepting applications under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative on August 15, 2012. Qualified applicants for deferred action would receive a two-year reprieve from possible deportation, and applicants who demonstrate an economic necessity would also receive work authorization. Recipients of deferred action could apply for renewal of their status and work authorization.
