Today, Congressman Silvestre Reyes (D-Texas) released this statement following an announcement by President Obama that his Administration will halt the deportation of certain young people who were brought to the United States as children and do not represent a risk to national security or public safety. Under the executive order, those who meet the criteria will also be eligible to apply for work authorization.

“Today’s bold move by the Obama Administration of allowing young people, who were brought to this country as children, the ability to remain in the United States, underscores the need for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. I have worked with my colleagues in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus for many years, in conjunction with other immigration groups, to pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the Dream Act. Today, I am proud of our work, but more must be done.

“For too long, these young people were being punished through no fault of their own. In many cases, they were denied the ability of pursuing higher education. Unfortunately, because of the partisan politics being played in the House of Representatives by the Republican majority, President Obama had no choice but to take action. I commend President Obama for his work and stand with him at this monumental time.”

The following criteria should be satisfied before an individual is considered for an exercise of prosecutorial discretion pursuant to this memorandum:

1) came to the United States under the age of sixteen; (2) has continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of the memorandum and is present in the United States on the date of this memorandum; (3) is currently in school, has graduated from high school, has obtained a general education development certificate, or is an honorably discharged veteran of the Coast Guard or Armed Forces of the United States; (4)  has not been convicted of a felony offense, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise poses a threat to national security or public safety; (5) and is not above the age of thirty.