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Subscribe to RSSPresident Obama's new program covers more than one million people brought to the country as illegal immigrants. Applicants around the country say they no longer have to live in the shadows. NBC's Mark Potter reports.
Foreign consulates, lawyers’ offices and advocacy organizations were abuzz with activity as the federal government on Wednesday began allowing certain young undocumented immigrants who came to America as children to apply for the right to legally stay and work in the country.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services began accepting applications for consideration of “deferred action”— a two-year reprieve from any threat of deportation, with the possibility of renewal. The new Obama administration program, a radical and controversial change in immigration policy, was announced by Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano in mid-June.
The government posted the application forms online on Tuesday.
In Chicago, thousands of people lined up Wednesday morning at Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, for one of many “DREAM Relief Day” activities scheduled across the nation. The informational event was sponsored by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights to help immigrants apply for the reprieve and get work permits.
"It's an opportunity that we've been waiting for basically for a really long time, and finally it's here," one potential applicant, Edalid Miranda, told NBC Chicago.
NBCChicago.com
Young people wait at Navy Pier in Chicago on Wednesday to get information and assistance with applications for relief from the threat of deportation for two years.
Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Luis Gutierrez and Mayor Rahm Emanuel were among the elected officials at the event.
A new program allows young illegal immigrants the chance to avoid deportation. WTVJ's Julia Bagg reports.
“The people who say undocumented immigrants don't really want to be part of this country will have to rethink that when they see hundreds of thousands or maybe a million young people come forward to sign up in the coming weeks and months,” Gutierrez, a strong backer of the new Obama policy, said in a news release.
A day earlier, an essay by Gutierrez titled “Ten Reasons Young People Should Come Forward For Deferred Action” was published in the Huffington Post.
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In California, lines formed outside the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles for a workshop to help people through the paperwork.
"It means a lot to me," Brenda Robles, of Torrance, told NBC Los Angeles. "Now I can be legal. Now I can do what everybody does -- work legally and have something that shows I can work. I won't have fear anymore.
"After I got out of high school, I saw all my friends looking for jobs. I had to get a baby-sitting job to pay for my school."
Young undocumented immigrants across the country have been busy assembling the records and documents they might need to satisfy the application requirements.
“People are very, very anxious to file, so we’ve been telling them to over-prepare,” Emid Gonzalez, manager of legal services at Casa de Maryland, told The Washington Post. The group scheduled an afternoon workshop Wednesday that promised to be well-attended. “The phone has been ringing off the hook,” Gonzalez told the newspaper.
Jonathan Alcorn / Reuters
People line up for help with paperwork for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
In New York City, more than 1,000 young people and their families showed up Wednesday for a workshop and legal clinic at St. Mary's Church on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the New York Immigration Coalition said. "Today we embark on a road to deferred action, work authorization, and the ability of eligible young people to pursue their dreams in the country they call home," Chung-Wha Hong, coalition executive director, was quoted as saying in a press release. "Let’s hope this is the first step to the kinds of reform our country, and our communities, so desperately need.”
At the Honduran Consulate in Washington on Tuesday, a line of people wrapped around the building before it was open for business, and the office was crowded for much of the day, The Associated Press reported. Honduran Consulate officials said the number of people applying for passports has more than doubled in the past week, and almost all of them have said they were getting passports to apply to stay in the U.S.
Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP
People fill out paperwork at the Honduras Embassy in Washington on Tuesday.
Mayra Rivera, 47, brought her children, ages 18 and 20, to the consulate from Philadelphia to help them apply for passports.
"They came here when they were children. So, for them, even though they are from Honduras ... this is their adoptive country and they love it a lot," Rivera said in Spanish, according to AP. "For them to succeed ... is like winning the Lotto."
Chris Bentley, a spokesman for Citizenship and Immigration Services in Washington, said Wednesday it’ll be about two weeks before the government has preliminary numbers on how many people filed for the deportation reprieve on the first day. The first approval could come within a month, he said.
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Illegal immigrants are warned of scammers as new Obama policy takes effect
Chasing a 'dream': Immigrant youth seek legal status
NBC Latino: Opinion: Confusion over Obama’s immigration changes
Obama administration won't seek deportation of young illegal immigrants
Skepticism, joy among illegal immigrants over Obama decision
Once an individual's application is received, the data is logged and the person gets a receipt number. The applicant must also go to an application support center to be fingerprinted and photographed. A background check is also done.
Applicants should find out within a few weeks whether they’ve been approved.
“USCIS has developed a rigorous review process for deferred action requests under guidelines issued by Secretary Napolitano,” said Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “Childhood arrivals who meet the guidelines and whose cases are deferred will now be able to live without fear of removal, and be able to more fully contribute their talents to our great nation.”
The Migration Policy Institute and the Pew Hispanic Center estimate that as many as 1.7 million undocumented immigrants could be eligible to apply under the program, formally called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
To be considered, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012;
- Came to the United States before reaching their 16th birthday;
- Have continuously resided in the United States since June 15, 2007, up to the present time;
- Were physically present in the United States on June 15, 2012, and at the time of making their request for consideration of deferred action;
- Entered without inspection before June 15, 2012, or their lawful immigration status expired as of June 15, 2012;
- Are currently in school, have graduated or obtained a certificate of completion from high school, have obtained a general education development (GED) certificate, or are an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; and
- Have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor, three or more other misdemeanors, and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Information from NCBChicago.com, NBCLosAngeles.com and The Associated Press is included in this story.
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Leave a Comment:
IF they stay the they pay 10% more taxes each year than the american citizen of the same tax bracket. They pay this 10% every year until they have done for the number of years they were here and they or their parents did not pay federal income tax. They get no deduction of any kind except the standard one. No health no children etc. If they are jobless for more than three months they get deported
get your guns ready, another mexi-american war is about to start, let just one of them step on my property, and it's boom time, i'l be shooting them one by one, and sleep like a baby
The answer to all this crap is simple.....GET TO THE POLLS AND VOTE AGAINST THIS POS OBAMA!!! If you don't vote against him in November he will be eating your lunch for 4 MORE MISERABLE YEARS. Send the DimoCraps a message..... NO MORE OF THIS SH*T!!!!
Don't you know the polls are fixed? They have been for years. It won't matter
Absolutely!! Get everyone you know to vote. To be politically active and inclined. This matters our country is in the toilet on the way down. Get this fool OUT
Umm the electoral college elects the President not the popular vote. Remember Bush v. Gore?
...........based on the popular vote.
IF they stay the they pay 10% more taxes each year than the american citizen of the same tax bracket. They pay this 10% every year until they have done for the number of years they were here and they or their parents did not pay federal income tax. They get no deduction of any kind except the standard one. No health no children etc. If they are jobless for more than three months they get deported
This is disgusting, we don't have the resources or the jobs to take care of legal american citizens, so how in the hell are we going to support and feed all these illegal brats. I know let them all live with obama and let him support them out of his pay that we as taxpayers are giving him. I hope this tactic for reelection blows up in his face. Impeach him now for overthrowing the Constitution of the United States.
by posting billboard signs at border fences which says "No tenemos trabajo"
Here is the thought from a legal immigrant. I immigrated from the former Soviet Union in 1988 with my family, including 2 infants. I can tell you many horror stories of what we had to go through to get to the US, but here is some of it - security checks, medical checks, etc. And we were informed that if even one of us had any kind of disease none of us would be allowed to enter the US. We were lucky - we got the permission "only" after 2 months of quarantine, while 9 of us lived in the small 1 bedroom apartment in Italian countryside on a small stipend from charity organizations. We had just enough to sustain us through that time, but what kept our spirits high is the ray of hope that one day we would be allowed to live in the US. Obama's unconstitutional actions is a huge slap to the face of all of us, who suffered through the legal process. It is incomprehensible to any fair-minded citizen of our country that criminal can be rewarded for their criminal behavior. Someone may say that those young people had nothing to do with breaking the law - it was their parents who were responsible for it. And I say "Who cares?". I was responsible for my kids future and I didn't ask for them to be treated differently from any other people. At most I would let those people to apply for the legal status, but would force them to leave the country and wait for the reply at their countries of birth. Make them earn what I and my family have cherished since 1988. And I don't even mention the number of gang members this would get legalized. Horrible-horrible decision, by horrible-horrible president and his cronies.
WE all agree with you Gregory. We applaud that you followed the law and came here and we welcome you and respect you as a citizen of our country and an american. That is what we all really want follow the law come here legally no matter how painful it is and we will welcome you
Gregory, all the best to you and yours. However, you will have to take my best wishes with a grain of salt as I am one of those bigots who feels that illegal is illegal, imagine that.
Gregory, too bad nbcnews doesn't feel the need to publish your story. I'm sorry that your family had to suffer through quarantine, but it's to protect my family from diseases which many illegals are bringing from their home countries. America is not a dumping ground for other countries. I have the right to try to protect my culture and my country.
ttard, I think you are agreeing with Gregory since it seems he and his family immigrated legally to the US.
I'm in the same boat..the legal fees, travel in and out of country over the years would have made for a nice 2nd home ..paid for :) But are we complaining? No..it was what we wanted but now all this is given away for free????? HELL NO..wake up America
Wow they are all right there. Good time to deport them while you have them.
then obama does not get their vote sorry not gonna happen
Only U.S. citizens can vote. Even people with legal work visas and green cards cannot vote. I am stunned you don't know that.
Clotho, I hope you don't really believe what you said. Here in California illegals have already proven your statements wrong.
Roll in the fleet of ICE busses and round em up! Oh man that would be EPIC!!!!
Wow, look at all the closeted bigots masquerading as humans. While I do not support open amnesty, this was for children. At least this way they will get SSN's and become tax paying citizens as opposed to beign educated and allowed in the country with no personal responsibility. They have already been here for 20 years or so...at least it is a step forward in the right direction.
We have no real immigration laws to begin with. If you are born here you are an American. Going forward that needs to change but to blame Obama for at least doing something to ACKNOWLEDGE the problem instead of endless rhetoric and ignoring the elephant in the room - at least give him credit for that. Right or wrong this is action against something that is talked about but never made a priority to change.
they will not get SS numbers we do have immigration laws that liberals have been ignoring for years. I don't care if they are children stop playing the children card WHY THEY took money from my child for their education food and health they hurt my child so fu and children card
Really - kids paying taxes......wow you need to get out some....
And they did that how? Guess what the US goverment doesn't owe you and your children anything. Welfare to a US citizen or an illegal is still welfare. Take care of your own kids!
lol actually yes kids can pay taxes if they have income. They are no longer children....*sigh* classic example of the american education system right here!
BS, you can pay my share of the taxes to keep them, clothed, fed, educated and sheltered. I've basically have had enough, espically when I can't even afford to get my own kids a higher education. So you my friend mekeyyabriel can take your liberal view and shove it. I hope you have enough money for all this bs that obama keeps throwing on the american citizens. I will personnely send you the my bill when I recieve it for their health care.
If we forgive people being here illegally, then we need to forgive and exonerate any American convicted of any crime short of murder. People have worked hard and paid there taxes and maybe along the way made a mistake as all humans do. If they have to pay for the rest of there lives for an indiscretion they made along the way then these illegals have to do the same. Amnesty for illegals and exonerate any covicted Americans. Fair is fair.
Only if those convicted felons agree to vote for obama at least twice...
Really? We need to forgive murderers? This is where your logic has led you?
hang on gang (no pun intended) even in the great state of MN has a bunch of people with southern license plates lined up at the hospital for free health care....and about 85% of them are going to have child.....Just think what the hospital and welfare line are going to be now, especially when they can't find a job, or if they do, and its not enough money for them, guess where there going to be next........your smart enough to figure that one out!
For ALL Military, Vet's, any and ALL Americans
Mitt Romney BOUGHT 4 deferments to avoid the Vietnam war, When those deferments ran
out Romney fled the USA and spent the remainder of the war in France under protection of
the Mormon Heirarchy.
Mitt Romney's Son openly stated on National TV that they WOULD NOT join the military and
that it was a good employment opportunity for the POOR.
How much do you really like that "R" behind his name?
better than I like the A behind obamas name for sure
Your choice and I will give you that, But it IS NOT mine, I am a Vet
of 2 foreign wars Republicans declared for absolutely NO reason
and Democrats have continued,,,,Still with NO reason
I agree, but think about it what he said, it is a good opportunity for the poor. I aint no senators son.
And Clinton ran off to Canada. I think he was a D and you have no problem with that. Next.
Just remember, what Caesar giveth, Caesar can take away. This action was precipitated by the wizard behind the curtain in the White House, Congress need not apply. Maybe "EL Duce" was feeling some "sympatico" for the souls who find themselves in the same predicament he was in as a child. Maybe he is attempting to groom a new future usurper just like him. Me upset, Na!
This just goes to show that the government does nothing about the illegal problem. Here is the perfect chance to round up illegals and send them back. Here they are lined up by the hundreds and nothing happens. Not the ones on work visa's or here with a passport legally. No the illegals. Does anyone understand the word "illegal?" If you rob a store you are doing something illegal and go to jail. If you rob a country I guess its ok. And whats the deal with the Dems concerned about the Spanish votes for? If they are illegal they can not vote legally. But of course that is why they are fighting voter ID's. There again you have illegal activity. See its do as I say not as I do mentality. I do not hear any of my Spanish friends complaining about voter ID's. They came here legally. All of them. And no its not one or two. Its more like 8.
That is a big problem, Voter fraud is running RAMPANT in the USA, Nearly,,,,,3 cases in 2010
The voter ID law just upheld in Pennsylvania disenfranchised 800,000 AMERICANS according
to a study done there
USA is tired of paying ur medical bill. You can all go HOME now. Thank You, Don't come again!!
was watching the news in El Paso and saw that the border foot traffic was backed up so everyone can come and put in for the presidents amnesty program. wonder have many forged documents will pass hands today. Not only is this illegal but an insult and slap in the face to the people who went through the process and did this legally. all this for a vote. i can think of no other country that would disregaurd their laws just for the purpose of needed the vote. we now will be a country of law breakers. This is something that should have been be put to a national vote.
Im so glad, that my husband a US Citizen wounded in combat is STILL waiting for his Benefits, while our tax dollars are jumping thru hoops to help illegal immigrants... Oh by the way.. before anyone says that I dont understand... I am a first generation American Citizen on my mom's side... The difference is they came her LEGALLY!!!!!
Thanks to your husband for all he has done for OUR country even though it is not as great as it once was. If he is not told "thank you" often enough, he should be.
As for this administration and its nonsense, it is sickening.
yep...amen.
Amen to that, By the way, You did know Romney is a deserter who fled the USA rather than fight in Vietnam
They might as well just register them to vote democrat while they're there.
That was the Obama plan all along. He could give a rats ass about these people.
He just wants the votes.
He's a sellout to America.
amen
Just proves that Democrats will do anything to win an election, with illegal voters! By the way, who paid for their education? US Taxpayers! [;-(]
This program has been put in place by an administration without concern for the long term impact or implications that legitimizing a population of foreign nationals will have on our country, quality of life of legitmate citizens, or economic impact of these people on our lives. This is immoral at best, criminal at worst. We can't afford another four years of Obama.
Either that, or they're trying to be nice to some kids
USA for sale:
Government: Unstabe and inept, but just loves those entitlements. Failing democracy!
Economy: Depressing and sliding south.
National Debt: Largest in the world.
Employment: See economy.
National language: Your choice.
Military: Still #1, but only until the global oil shortage hits in 2-3 years.
President: It's Howdy Doody Time.
Population: Over 300 million on welfare and those still crossing the borders.
Outlook: See economy.
Private sector doing fine WINK WINK
Send all these illegal criminals back to their countries of origin.....we educated many of them, so they owe us a debt of gratitude. When they are deported, they will get a better job than most in that country. Thanks to the U.S......The American consulate in their homeland can help them apply for legal immigration to the U.S. and they can stand in line like everybody else.
But first.....bring charges of treason against Obama and his admin, and throw these Communist bums in prison where they belong.
Seems to me like this would be the perfect place for ICE agents to be checking people's immigration status....
They are not allowed to. It violates the fourth amendment to demand to see people's papers without evidence of a crime being committed. While Constitutional rights can be frustrating sometimes, it's far better than living in a country with an unrestricted police state.
I think we can all agree that a country where we have to show our papers on demand is patently un-American.
Send all illegals, including those whose ancestors came from European countries (especially the sex offenders, murderers, rich off-of our lands people, racists, KKK members, Neo-nazi groups, Christian fundamentalists, etc, etc) back to where they or their ancestors came from. My ancestors were Indigenous to these lands that were stolen outright from us, there was no just war for "victors" to take the spoils here, treaties were made with lying government agents for native people to cede lands in exchange for the many promises falsely made to them. Many of us still consider ourselves the original landlords of what is now the U.S. and we hold the spiritual stakeholder roles as such; thereby, we would make room only for those who can be good citizens. Someone said that the Mexicans "owned" the southwest states of NM, TX, AZ, CA first; that is also completely wrong, those lands were also originally held as territories by Indigenous nations. The Mexicans would be considered more legitimately here if they would only admit that they are the result of European (Spanish, French, German, etc) and Indigenous groups (of what is now Mexico, South America, southwestern US) interbreeding. They are not a race of people, the term "La Raza" is therefore an incorrect self-designation. Through personal experience, I know that many Mexicans are racist against "Indian" (also an incorrect term) people; but they would have been respected more if they would have identified more with their Indigenous ancestry--the federal government might have had better opportunities for them to become citizens. To those who believe in entitlement enough to tell others to get out of this country, take a good look at your history first.
That was my comment exactly Apachespirit, however, it was easily glossed over! It breaks my heart to see what us "Americans" did to the Native American tribes who were here when we decided to take over this country. Not only did we take their land but also their way of life as it was deemed to be "barbaric". I donate to some of the reservations, to soothe my conscience over what my ancestors did. Still, no one commenting herein will see or understand that. Guess you can do anything if you are an "American". I, for one American, apologize to your people and all the other tribes who suffered (and continued to suffer) from the actions of my American forefathers. I'm sure I'll be blasted as "un-American" but, quite frankly, I don't give a damn!
Congress needs to wake up, show up, stand up and remind itself that they rejected the DREAM Act as recently as December 2010. Why and how is the president now doing administratively that which Congress said no to legislatively?