Informative Session on Immigration DAPA Act at Princeton Library Jan. 27

Princeton Human Services and the Princeton Police Department have partnered with local organizations including the Latin American Legal Defense and Education Fund (LALDEF), the Princeton Public Library and La Hermandad Latinoamericana to educate the public on the Deferred Action for Parental Accountability (DAPA) act.

Under the act, announced by President Barack Obama on Nov. 20, parents of U.S.-born children or lawful permanent residents, who entered the country on or before Jan. 1, 2010, have no criminal record, and have resided continuously in America, will be protected against removal and receive work authorization for three years.

The next information and education session on the act is set for Tuesday, Jan. 27, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at Public Library Community Room. Information, resources and brief private counseling with local immigration attorneys will be available to attendees.

Although these initiatives have not yet been implemented and the application process has not been opened, those who believe they may be eligible can prepare ahead of time.

They can gather documents that establish factors such as their identity, relationship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and continuous residence in the United States over the last five years or more.

“We encourage all residents who believe are eligible to attend these sessions,” Elisa Neira, Executive Director of Human Services said. “Since the process is still in the development phase, this is the perfect time to plan ahead, to learn about the current state of the application process, to find out if they are eligible and if so to learn what documents they will need in order to apply.”

Princeton officials are warning residents about potential immigration scams.

“It is important that residents understand that no applications are being accepted, and anyone offering to help them submit an application for a fee is just ‘ripping’ them off,” Police Officer Jorge Narvaez said.

Narvaez has already learned of immigration scams from some residents.

For more information, contact: Princeton Human Services at 609-688-2055 or e-mail the Executive Director at ENeira@princetonnj.gov.