Please Contact:
Monica Khant, mkhant@georgiaasylum.org
Alpa Amin, aamin@georgiaasylum.org

PRESIDENT OBAMA ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE ACTION TO STAY DEPORTATION OF MILLIONS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS

For Immediate Release
November 21, 2014

ATLANTA – Last night, President Obama announced his intent to take executive action to temporarily reform immigration guidelines and to stay the deportation of up to five million undocumented immigrants. While his announcement included provisions for increased border security and easier processes for documented immigrant workers and entrepreneurs, the most impactful stipulation called for the protection of undocumented immigrants.

The President’s temporary relief will stay deportations for undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States for over five years, and have children who are United States citizens or legal permanent residents. Those who pass a criminal background check and agree to pay taxes will be eligible for a temporary legal status that protects them from deportation, allows them to work legally, and issues Social Security cards.

The executive action also protects children who were brought to the United States illegally before 2010, also called DREAMers in reference to the DREAM Act.

The action does not protect recent immigrants who arrived within the last five years, nor does it protect those who might arrive in the United States without documentation in the future. Undocumented immigrants with a criminal history will also fall outside of the scope of those shielded from deportation. Additionally, the plan does not grant citizenship or legal permanent residence, thereby falling short of providing amnesty for those who qualify under the proposed plan.

The President intends this temporary action to refocus law enforcement’s attention on criminal activity, deporting only those who pose a serious threat to community safety. Further, the relief from fear of deportation for millions of hardworking immigrants will allow them to “come out of the shadows and get right with the law,” according to the President’s address.

The Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN) supports the President’s recent immigration announcement, and we remain focused on assisting victims of human trafficking, violent crimes, and those seeking asylum. Under this proposed plan, U Visa and T Visa programs will be expanded to help victims of human trafficking and crime by permitting a greater variety of requests. Please contact our organization if this applies to you. If you are looking for help with the new policies that affect cases outside the scope of our specific focus, we would be happy to refer you to one of our community partners.