Catholic Charities Atlanta’s Immigration legal staff are to provide a number of workshops on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) legislation.

On June 15, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced that certain people who came to the United States as children and meet several key guidelines may request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and would then be eligible for work authorization. Individuals who can demonstrate through verifiable documentation that they meet these guidelines will be considered for deferred action. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIC) agency began accepting applications under the new legislation on Aug. 15.

According to Catholic Charities Atlanta staff, the requirements and potential legal issues associated with completing these new deferred action applications are extensive—the applications should not be completed without legal consultation.

A workshop to train parish staff on DACA legislation will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chancery in Smyrna. The workshop will be informational and is intended for clergy, parish staff and parish leaders. This workshop is intended to help those in the parishes who will be talking to potential candidates under the new DACA legislation. The Catholic Charities Atlanta Immigration staff will provide an overview about eligibility, filing requirements and the next steps for receiving assistance.

Community informational workshops for potential DACA filers will be held every Thursday, from 8-11 a.m. at 2305 Parklake Dr. NE, Bldg. 9, Suite 150, Atlanta. Catholic Charities Immigration staff will see the first 16 applicants who are at each workshop at 8 a.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. The staff will provide a brief overview of DACA, review applications, and provide checklists and filing instructions. Applicants must sign a release that they understand this is a one-time service. Catholic Charities Atlanta will not charge for this service.

Applicants who want Catholic Charities Atlanta staff to prepare their applications should come to the Northlake address (2305 Parklake Dr.) on regular intake days. The next two intake days are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15, and Friday, Dec. 14. Appointments are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants should arrive early.

Prospective clients can call Catholic Charities Atlanta’s Immigration Services main line at (678) 222-3920 and select prompt 4 for more information.