A policy change instituted by the Obama administration this week will mean that millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. will be eligible to apply for a deferment that will allow them to stay in the country for two years without fear of deportation.
The program applies to people age 15 to 31 who came to the country before age 16 and have been here at least five years, according to the Washington Post. Additionally, they must have no criminal convictions, and must have completed high school or have served in the U.S. military, according to the paper.
Rep. Judy Chu, D-El Monte, who represents portions of the San Gabriel Valley and is running in a new district that includes South Pasadena, Altadena, Arcadia, Sierra Madre and Monrovia, was quick to praise the policy change:
Today, the Obama Administration took a remarkable first step to providing a brighter future for kids who would otherwise be penalized for their parents’ mistakes. DREAM students are here illegally through no fault of their own. They have been brought up as Americans, in American schools, and are every bit as deserving of an education as anyone else who calls this country home.
I am truly excited about what the Administration’s new policy will mean for the over 10,000 DREAMers in my district alone, and my office is available to help with any questions or concerns that they may have.
We want to know what you think of the change: will it have a big impact on Southern California? Would you approve of further changes to immigration policy or do you think this move already went too far?
Please vote in our poll below and leave your thoughts in the comments section.
