Catholic Charities helps young undocumented immigrants avoid deportation

A local non-profit helps young, undocumented immigrants come out of the shadows.

Catholic Charities of Shreveport is helping teens and young adults apply for the federal government's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.  It has helped more than 80 young people from low income families who can't afford immigration lawyers.

Deferred Action allows young undocumented immigrants an opportunity to obtain a temporary social security card, and work while avoiding deportation. It's good for two years.

People requesting consideration for Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals must:

1.Be under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;

2.Came to the United States before reaching 16^th birthday;

3.Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;

4.Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making your request for consideration of deferred action with USCIS;

5.Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or your lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;

6. Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and

7.Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

Catholic Charities charges around $750 for the service. Its executive director said that's nearly a fifth of what immigration lawyers charge.

Here's a link to more information.