Sarasota Immigrants Can Use EAD Cards as Primary ID

Sarasota immigrants can now use the new Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) card as a primary form of identification at BB&T Bank.  Also known as the U.S. Employment Authorization Document (EAD), the DACA card and a tax-identification number will allow any Sarasota immigrant to open up an account with BB&T.  The Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based bank is one of the first financial institutions in the country to accept this form of identification.

BB&T Locations

The DACA program launched in August 2012 and allows children of undocumented immigrants to remain in the country for two years and to apply for the U.S. Employment Authorization Card.  These individuals must have entered the United States as children and meet several key guidelines to earn the deferral.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) statistics show more than 260,000 people have been approved for the DACA card and the number is growing rapidly.  More information on the DACA program can be found on our website, DeferredActionFlorida.com, or by contacting attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins: 941-366-9841.

ImmigrationSarasota.com sat down with local BB&T representatives Abigail Collins and Rossana McConahay to learn more.

IS.com: Please tell me more about this new program.

Abigail Collins/Rossana McConahay: BB&T now accepts EAD cards as primary IDs.  This allows us to help more people in an important and growing demographic that is sometimes under-served financially.  We hope to offer an opportunity for EAD holders to open bank accounts with us.  In addition, we offer comprehensive educational resources and bilingual staff in many of our banking centers.  This allows BB&T to achieve our mission, which is to help our clients achieve economic success and financial security.

IS.com: EADs have existed for a while, how is this policy different from before?

A.C./R.M:  In the past, our clients were asked to present a visa or a social security card with their EAD.  Since people who apply for DACA have neither, this made it very difficult to open a bank account.

IS.com: What is the biggest obstacle you face in serving this perennially under-banked community?

A.C./R.M: Some members of the Hispanic community believe that providing their information puts them at risk for deportation.   That’s why our bilingual staff members do our best to make our clients feel like they are a part of our family.  We also urge them to tell their friends and family about their experiences with us.

IS.com: You also provide extensive educational material…

A.C./R.M:  Yes, we believe in building a strong relationship with our clients and empowering them to make their dreams come true.  BB&T e provides free educational material on topics such as education, getting a driver’s license, the world of work, how to prepare for an emergency, and the U.S. healthcare system.  We want our clients to have the knowledge they need to be successful in this country.

BB&T Representatives Abigail Collins and Rossana McConahay

Feel free to contact Ms. Collins or Ms. McConahay for more information.  Their office is located at 1201 South Tamiami Trail and their phone number is 941-366-5463.

Inmigrantes en Sarasota ya pueden usar los permisos de trabajo para abrir cuentas bancarias

Inmigrantes en Sarasota ya pueden usar la nueva tarjeta de Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (conocida como DACA por su sigla en inglés) como una de las principales formas de identificación para las personas que no sean ciudadanas estadounidenses.  Esta tarjeta, a la que también se le llama Tarjeta de Autorización de Empleo en Estados Unidos, y un número de identificación para el pago de impuestos, permitirán que cualquier persona pueda abrir una cuenta en BB&T, una de las primeras instituciones financieras del país en aceptar este tipo de identificación.

El programa DACA fue lanzado en agosto de 2012 y permite que los hijos de inmigrantes indocumentados permanezcan en el país durante dos años y que soliciten la Tarjeta de Autorización de Empleo en Estados Unidos.  Estas personas deberán haber ingresado en Estados Unidos siendo niños y deben cumplir varias estipulaciones clave para obtener el aplazamiento.  Estadísticas del Servicio de Inmigración y Ciudadanía de Estados Unidos (USCIS por su sigla en inglés) muestran que más de 260,000 personas han sido aprobadas para la obtención de la tarjeta DACA y esa cifra sigue en aumento rápidamente.  Se puede encontrar más información sobre el programa DACA en la página de internet del USCIS.

Written by Victoria Karins

Victoria Jaensch Karins graduated from the University of South Florida in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. She attended law school at St. Thomas University in Miami and received her JD in 1994. She is admitted to the Florida Bar and has practiced immigration law since 1995. Her areas of practice focus on 1) business executives, managers, investors, professionals and skilled workers; 2) family-based immigration, and fiancé visas and 3) citizenship and naturalization. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Central Florida Chapter, having served as a Board Member, Seminar Coordinator and as the Vice Chair for the Tampa Region. Her pro bono activities have focused on abused immigrant women and children.