On November 20th 2014, President Obama spoke to the nation and introduced a new policy which will be enacted through executive order to provide temporary permission to stay for millions of undocumented immigrants who have been in the U.S. for at least 5 years, have U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident children, paid taxes and have no criminal background. This is a HUGE change in immigration policy. This new policy will help millions of undocumented individuals the opportunity to live without fear outside of the shadows and work lawfully.
The policy was just announced this evening and it is not clear what the exact details will be. There is currently no process for registering but stay tuned! Speak with an immigration attorney or respected non-profit organization in the next few weeks about how to sign up for the program and to learn the potential risks. There is potential that the program could be reversed if a new president comes into power, but we are hopeful that, like the recent deferred action granted to young children, that this will program will continue in the near future and eventually lead to something more permanent.
“If you’ve been in America for more than five years; if you have children who are American citizens or legal residents; if you register, pass a criminal background check, and you’re willing to pay your fair share of taxes – you’ll be able to apply to stay in this country temporarily, without fear of deportation. You can come out of the shadows and get right with the law.”
“Are we a nation that tolerates the hypocrisy of a system where workers who pick our fruit and make our beds never have a chance to get right with the law? Or are we a nation that gives them a chance to make amends, take responsibility, and give their kids a better future?” – President Barack Obama – November 20th, 2014.
