The Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano announced on behalf of the Obama Administration that deportations of DREAM Act-eligible undocumented immigrants will cease immediately. Relief consists of deferred action for a period of two years with the possibility of a renewal for an additional two years, along with the opportunity to apply for work authorization. Candidates for relief must have been under 16 years of age when they were brought to the United States and not present a risk to national security or public safety. Additional criteria include:
HACU supports this action by the Obama Administration, having previously called upon the President to “take the lead with appropriate Congressional leaders to advance comprehensive immigration reform, particularly DREAM Act legislation, to foster educational opportunity and create a highly educated workforce to meet the needs of the national economy.”
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