President Biden took office on January 20, 2021 with an affirmed intent to have an immigration reform. We do not know how and when it would pass, nor the list of documents immigration will request. Nonetheless, our experience as immigration attorneys led us to prepare a few tips to have you ready: 

1. Gather your original civil documents; Make sure to have the original birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates.
2. Renew your passport; Have a valid passport with you as it may be your only form of ID.
3. Have a copy of your I-94; The I-94 is the prove that you were inspected or paroled when you entered the US. Visit https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home to retrieve your copy.
4. Gather your tax return documentation; Request tax transcripts from IRS on https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
5. Collect documents evidencing you were present in the country prior to January 1, 2021. Example: school transcripts, paystub, hospital records. 
6. Have all your criminal records including police arrest and case disposition, even if sponged. 
7. Start saving money; There may be a small window to act if and when the reform passes, thus it is important to be prepared for it financially.

With the new administration taking office on January 20, 2021 there is much for the immigrant community (and for Andrea and I) to be excited and hopeful about! As part of President Biden's plans for his first 100 days in office, the administration has already proposed significant new legislation and changes reversing policies and dramatically changing the course  that U.S. immigration policy has taken in the last four years. 

Through our blog, we will be tracking and sharing the Biden administration’s changes and updates to keep you informed, and help you get ready to apply for any relief or benefit that may become available to you. 

As usual, we welcome your calls and emails to clarify whether and how any of the reported changes will apply to your individual situation. 

So, first things first! On January 20, among other immigration related actions,  President Biden issued a memorandum directing the DHS Secretary, in consultation with the Attorney General, to take all actions he deems appropriate, consistent with applicable law, to preserve and fortify DACA ​​effective immediately. 

What this means to you?

At this moment:

• USCIS is accepting first-time requests for DACA as well as DACA renewal requests;
• Grants of deferred action and employment authorization under DACA are to be issued in two-year increments; and
• USCIS is accepting applications for advance parole.

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We are excited for this new era for Immigration Law, and look forward to bringing you many good news in the days to come!