For the 11 years Jonathan Ocampo drove to work, from the time he was 16 until Aug. 15, 2012, he lived in fear he would be stopped by the police for a minor equipment violation and it would cost him more than $1,000 as well as a day in court.
Now 34 and an assistant bank manager, Ocampo said he knew he could do more challenging work but until that date, his opportunities were limited because he came to the United States illegally with his parents at age 12 in 1999.
Ocampo’s life transformed on Aug. 15, 2012, because he qualified to register for Deferred Action Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and no longer had to fear deportation. He quickly registered for the program, and renews his registration every two years as required.
“Life changed for me then,” he said. “I had my (driver’s) license. I didn’t have to worry about being pulled over driving to work. I had my Social (Security number). I could get a good job.”
DACA recipients who need assistance with registration or re-registration can attend a workshop from 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at HACES (Hispanic American Community Education and Services). at the organization’s Waukegan office.
Maria Gutierrez, HACES’ DACA case manager, said before the coronavirus pandemic limited services, the organization could frequently offer in-person workshops like the one Saturday. Efforts are now being increased so no one misses a registration deadline.
Gutierrez said the workshop is structured with individualized assistance between a staff member and DACA participant. Some appointments are already scheduled, but those who are already registered with DACA can participate as well.
“They will fill out their registration form,” Gutierrez said. “If there are no (slots) available, we will schedule an appointment at another time. Everyone is welcome. We are not going to close the door.”
When people arrive, Gutierrez said they should come with their approval notice, work permit and the mailer (which is also known as the three bar code letter), a passport picture and a check or money order for $495. Participants will receive guidance on completing the payment.
If the renewal applicant is applying for a scholarship at any type of school, Gutierrez said they should bring the W2 tax form or their 2020 federal income tax return. She stresses this is a wide-ranging program, with participants between 16 and their 40s. Country of origin does not matter.
“It is not limited to any nationality or ethnicity,” Gutierrez said.
People participating in DACA must renew their registration within 120 to 150 days before expiration. Gutierrez said processing can take up to six months, so people should not delay starting the process.
Those who arrived in the United States as children, but are not yet registered with DACA, need to make an appointment because Gutierrez said more time is required. People who qualify need to complete an application through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Though people can apply, Gutierrez said applications are not currently being processed. They could pay a processing fee now, and another one when processing resumes.
“If you apply now, you will be one of the first ones processed but you could have to pay $495 again,” Gutierrez said. “That could be a weekly paycheck.”
Jonathan Ocampo and his wife, Jovanna, also a DACA recipient, recognize the importance of keeping their status current. She said she arrived in the United States when she was 3 with her mother and two brothers in 1993.
DACA became a reality when Jovanna Ocampo was 22. She said she wasted little time before completing her registration papers. Things like furthering her education and getting a good job suddenly became realistic goals.
“I signed up when (former President Barack) Obama signed the documents,” she said. “I got my Social Security number and (driver’s) license. I could go to college. I didn’t have to worry about driving without a license anymore.”
About the same time the Ocampos became DACA recipients, they met each other and were married a year later. She said with the ability to prove their income and apply for credit, they were able to purchase a home in Round Lake Park.
With Jonathan Ocampo working as an assistant bank manager, Jovanna Ocampo said she will start to complete her education in cosmetology or nursing when her three daughters — 7, 4 and nine months — are a little older.
The Ocampos three daughters will not have to register for DACA. They were born in Round Lake Park and are American citizens.
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Waukegan workshop to provide registration assistance to DACA recipients - Chicago Tribune
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