State Representative Rafael Anchia responded to President Obama’s new deferred action process for young undocumented immigrants who are low enforcement priorities. The announcement was made today by Secretary Janet Napolitano and will be effective immediately. Under this directive, individuals who demonstrate that they meet the following criteria will be eligible for an exercise of discretion, specifically deferred action, on a case by case basis:
1. Came to the United States under the age of sixteen;
2. Have continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of the memorandum and are present in the United States on the date of the memorandum;
3. Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a general education development certificate, or are honorably discharged veterans of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States;
4. Have not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety;
5. Are not above the age of thirty.
“I congratulate President Obama and Secretary Napolitano on their leadership,” said Rep. Anchia. “This is a common sense, humanitarian approach to an issue that has unnecessarily caused untold suffering to millions of young people who, through no fault of their own, were brought to this country illegally.”
“Not only does this directive stop the deportation of these individuals who pose no threat to this country, but it will allow them to apply for work authorization and thereby come out of the shadows and participate in the American dream.”
“While this is not a permanent solution to our broken immigration system, it is an important step, and I call on Congress to follow President Obama’s lead and work together to pass the DREAM Act and other important legislation that will, at long last, bring true immigration reform to the United States.”
Representative Rafael Anchia is a former DISD school board trustee serving his fourth term in the Texas House and represents District 103 of northwest Dallas County.
