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WASHINGTON (AP) - The Department of Homeland Security is releasing for the first time details on how illegal immigrants brought to the United States as children can apply to avoid deportation and receive a work permit.

Alejandro Mayorkas, director of U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services, said people who qualify for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program can download the application, including forms needed to get a work permit, from the agency's website, beginning Tuesday. They can start submitting applications on Wednesday.

Immigrants will have to pay a $465 fee and submit proof of their eligibility. Proof can include school transcripts, medical and financial records as well as military service records.

As many as 1.7 million illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children may be eligible for the new program.