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.

More on Deferred Action Approvals

Sarasota Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins

USCIS continues issuing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals approvals.  The turn-around time is about 2 months on average.  When we applied for Deferred Action we also applied for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).  Being granted Deferred Action means that the EAD will be issued soon.  Once the EAD is issued, the recipients can take their documents to the local Social Security office and apply for a number.   Social Security numbers take about 7 to 10 days to be issued.  The closest office is at 2001 Siesta Dr., Suite 301, Sarasota, FL 34239.  The phone number is 1-800-772-1213.  They are open Monday-Friday 8:30am to 3pm.

Good luck to all those who applied for Deferred Action.

New Employment Authorization Form to go with Deferred Action

Jaensch Immigration Law Firm recently received a corrected practice advisory regarding the employment authorization form that will be filed with Deferred Action applications. The earlier procedure erroneously linked the Deferred Action application to the current Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) and advised that this form should be filed concurrently with the deferred action application.  However, USCIS has said not to use the current form.  USCIS expects to make available a new employment authorization application form on August 15, 2012.

In Related News: Underestimating Deferred Action (from ILW.com)

Related Articles:

• Latest Deferred Action Q&A
• USCIS Will Begin Accepting Deferred Action Applications!
• Los requisitos de Accion Diferida

Deferred Action Requirements

Sarasota Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins

Immigration Attorney Victoria Jaensch Karins offers answers to questions concerning the new Deferred Action policy.

As the date of implementation of the new deferred action policy draws near more details about requirements for the application are being released. I recently returned from a meeting concerning the requirements for  Deferred Action and wanted to share information from that meeting. There are still some questions and as we learn more we will add it to the blog. In the meantime, readers can go to www.uscis.gov/childhoodarrivals to find out more.

 Q: When will USCIS begin accepting applications for Deferred Action?

• August 15, 2012.

Q: What will a Deferred Action applicant need to demonstrate?

1. Applicant under age 31 as of 6/15/2012.
2. Came to US before age 16.
3. Continuous residence as of 6/15/2007 for 5 years and physical presence at time of filing.
4. Entered without inspection or status expired prior to 6/15/ 2012.
5. Currently enrolled in school, high school diploma, GED, or honorable discharge from military.
6. Enrollment in school or GED can be after 6/15/2012 so long as it is as of date of filing
7. Not convicted of felony, significant misdemeanor or 3 or more misdemeanors.

Q: How old can I be to apply?

• Applicants must be over 15 to file unless in removal.

Q: Does significant misdemeanor include a DUI?

• Yes.

Q: If I apply and am denied, will I be in danger of deportation?

• No. Information on the application (including information on family members) will not be disclosed to ICE or CBP for removal purposes – in other words, applicants and their family members will not be placed in removal just because they apply and are denied for some reason. However, they will exercise prosecutorial discretion where there are issues of national security, criminal offenses, etc.

Q: What will the cost of applying be?

• Total fee will be $465

Q: Can the fee be waived?

• No fee waivers but there are fee exemptions for certain situations. Fee exemption must be requested prior to applying for Deferred Action (but not prior to 8/15)

Q: Will I need to get my fingerprints taken?

• Yes, applicants will have to get biometrics.

Q: Will there be an interview?

• There will be no interview, except in some cases were fraud may be indicated or for quality control purposes.

Q: If I apply and am denied can I appeal?

• There will be no review or appeal of denials.

Q: Can I apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) at the same time?

• EADs can be applied for at the same time as Deferred Action and will be granted also for two years. Must show economic need

Q: Can I renew my Deferred Action status?

• Renewals of Deferred Action and Employment Authorization Documents will be available in two year increments

See these other articles for more information:

1. “USCIS Aceptará Solicitudes Para Acción Diferida el 15 de Agosto”
2. “Deferred Action Applicants Should Collect Student Records Now“
3. “Sarasota Immigration Attorneys Welcome Deferred Action Announcement”