Criminal history touched at immigration workshop - FOX5 Vegas - KVVU
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Indira Fuentes, 18, was one of several immigrants seeking assistance on filing her Deferred Action application. Her case however, is tainted.
"It was a problem I had in high school, but if the case is close then there is nothing I should be worried about," said Fuentes.
"Anyone who has any type of felony is disqualified. Any one who has three misdemeanors or more is disqualified," added immigration attorney Rolando Velasquez.
An immigration workshop with a focus on criminal backgrounds was offered at Hermandad Mexicana, a local nonprofit that offers a variety of assistance.
"The workshop was targeted to those students who had doubts if they qualified because of criminal, deportation or removal proceeding - misdemeanor or anything that they thought might hinder their ability to apply," said Janette Amador with Hermandad Mexicana.
Immigration experts were also available, giving advice to those who have any doubts on their status.
"Shop lifting or DUI are not treated as seriously in state law but for immigration purposes it's enough to disqualify you for this benefit," added Velasquez.
Since the program began on Wednesday, the nonprofit has seen over 500 applications but about a handful have completed the process.
A group Fuentes wants to belong to.
"It's pretty nervous because one little thing can mess it up and you can't go back and redo it. You have to be really careful," added Fuentes.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
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