Unbelievable!!!!
Obama to Discuss New Immigration Immunity for Young People
Last update: 6/15/2012 10:38:29 AM
By Jared A. Favole
WASHINGTON--President Barack Obama on Friday will discuss new rules that grant immunity to younger illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and haven't broken major laws, an announcement that comes in the middle of an election season where the Hispanic vote could be crucial to a presidential win.
The new rules, announced by the Department of Homeland Security, will allow certain illegal immigrants to avoid deportation, or other actions, for a period of two years and subject to renewal. It will likely prompt stiff criticism from Republicans, many who are strongly opposed to efforts to grant immunity to people who have entered the country illegally.
The announcement, which Mr. Obama will discuss from the White House Rose Garden at 1:15 p.m. EDT, will also thrust immigration back to the front burner in the election. Mr. Obama has harshly criticized Republicans for their stance on immigration. In April, Mr. Obama used the word "hypocrisy" in arguing that many Republicans are trying to appeal to Hispanic voters while taking policy stances that those voters oppose.
Mr. Obama has said he supports The Dream Act, which would give a path to citizenship for people who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children if they went to college or enrolled in the military. The announcement Friday appears to be a mini version of the Dream Act and doesn't need Congressional approval.
The Obama administration has deported a record number of criminal aliens as Mr. Obama has tried to show he is tough on illegal immigration.
"Our nation's immigration laws must be enforced in a firm and sensible manner," Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano said. "But they are not designed to be blindly enforced without consideration given to the individual circumstances of each case. Nor are they designed to remove productive young people to countries where they may not have lived or even speak the language. Discretion, which is used in so many other areas, is especially justified here."
Those eligible will have to have come to the U.S. under 16 years old, resided in the country for at least five years, earned a high school degree or equivalent, or been honorably discharged from the military. They also must not be over 30 years old or convicted of a felony or significant offenses.
-Write to Jared A. Favole at jared.favole@dowjones.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 15, 2012 10:38 ET (14:38 GMT)
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