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August 16, 2012

Tens of Thousands of Immigrants Line Up for Deferred Action Under New Policy 
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Tens of thousands of young undocumented immigrants waited in mile-long
lines across the country on Wednesday to take advantage of a new federal
policy that may grant them legal status to temporarily remain and work
in the United States. Under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
Program, students and certain other immigrants under 31 will now be
eligible for a two-year reprieve from deportation if they meet specific
conditions, including being able to demonstrate that they came to the
U.S. before their 16th birthday; lived here for the past five years;
have not been convicted of certain crimes; and, do not pose a national
security threat. As the policy went into effect, Republican Governor Jan
Brewer of Arizona issued an executive order barring immigrants who are
granted a reprieve from receiving public benefits or getting drivers’
licenses. She also instructed state agencies to make sure only legal
residents access taxpayer-financed benefits.

 

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