[author: Lori T. Chesser]

Secretary Janet Nepolitano announced today that young people who entered the United States without inspection as children and meet certain criteria can apply for "deferred inspection" to provide protection from deportation and work authorization.

Those who qualify are those who:

• came to the US under age 16
• have continuously resided in the US for 5 years
• have graduated from high school, obtained a GED or are honorably discharged from the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the US
•  have not been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor or series of misdemeanors or pose a security threat
• are under age 30

The deferred action will be granted for an initial period of 2 years, but is expected to be renewable.

No procedure has been announced yet but is expected in 60 days. People in removal proceedings may also benefit from this program.

Check www.uscis.gov or www.Ice.gov for more details.