President Obama addressed the nation yesterday to announce steps that would allow millions of undocumented immigrants to live and work in the U.S. legally. The plan will address those who have lived in this country for more than five years and “have children who are American citizens or legal residents," the President said, and also require them to pass a criminal background check and pay taxes.
Although the plan is only temporary and is not a direct path to citizenship, it is a step that millions of undocumented immigrants have been dreaming of; a step that would allow them to work, drive, and provide for their families without constantly looking over their shoulder in fear of deportation.
Over the course of a year, Youth Radio's been covering immigration through the lens of young people covered under DACA. Today, many young Latinos took to Twitter to respond to the President's announcement.
Diane Guerrero, 28-year-old actress of “Orange Is the New Black,” whose parents were deported back to Columbia while she was in school, expressed her gratitude.
Thanks @BarackObama 4giving hope to U.S citizen children growing up like me, fearing family deportation #ImmigrationAction @ILRC_SF
— Diane Guerrero (@dianeguerrero__) November 21, 2014
Others expressed their concerns, too.
#msnbcchat what would happen after 3 years, protection is gone & our info is there to be use for good or to be deported. Is it safe to aply?
— Cesar E Castro (@peruanitofeliz) November 21, 2014
Undocumented gay guy married to an american in NY since 2011, Could I be part of the exec action? http://t.co/Bks0sGUyIx #msnbcchat — Cesar E Castro (@peruanitofeliz) November 21, 2014
#ExecutiveAction for immigration reform is here, these are the first steps in keeping our families together now we need Congress to #ActNow! — Voto Latino (@votolatino) November 21, 2014
Today, President Obama was in Las Vegas to discuss his immigration plan. On Twitter, the President has started using a new hashtag slogan, #PassABill, in hopes of pushing Congress for a more defined immigration bill that could serve as a road to citizenship, but most importantly a road to permanent status:
#PassABill crowd chanting and President @BarackObama new line!! #passabill — Charles McCary (@charlesmccary) November 21, 2014