Dive Summary:
- Beginning Wednesday, young people who illegally entered the United States as children will be able to apply for work permits and renewable two-year deferments on deportation--a policy shift that experts say will lead the young immigrants to pursue education or, if they're already in school, put their degrees to use.
- The Obama administration's June 15 announcement of the policy came 11 years after the stalled Dream Act, which would provide a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, was introduced in Congress, and while not as far-reaching, the new program does brighten the prospects of undocumented youth.
- Those eligible must meet strenuous requirements, but several undocumented students interviewed say they feel that the program's benefits outweigh its risks and advocates hope that the policy can usher in other reforms expanding these students' access to higher education.
From the article:
Starting Wednesday, young people who were brought to the United States illegally as children can apply for two-year stays on deportation that experts say will motivate many to pursue education and empower those who are already in school to put their degrees to use. Since the Obama administration announced the new policy on June 15, thousands of eligible young people have eagerly awaited details about the relief it provides. The policy allows them to apply for work permits and for renewable two-year deferments on any action that could lead to their deportation. ...