WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) issued the following statement applauding the immigration policy announcement by President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano that would allow young people who grew up in the U.S. after being brought to our country by their parents to request deferred action on deportation for two years, subject to renewal, and to be eligible to apply for work authorization if they meet certain criteria:

“I am relieved to hear that nearly one million young people whose situations are similar to Daniela and Dayana Pelaez’s will be able to stay in the U.S., further their education and contribute to the economy in the country they call home while we continue to negotiate a more permanent solution on a pathway to citizenship for them.

“We are talking about good kids who learned and ingrained American values – young adults who want to become doctors, nurses, lawyers, scientists, engineers, small business owners, teachers, firefighters and police officers. They want nothing more than to give back to the country that gave them an opportunity to get an education and, in some cases, to serve in the Coast Guard and Armed Forces defending the U.S. and our freedom.

“As the sponsor of the Florida DREAM Act when I was in the state senate, I applaud this announcement by the Obama administration, and I look forward to when we pass comprehensive immigration reform.”

Click here for the Department of Homeland Security’s press release, which includes the criteria that young people must meet to request deferred action on deportation and to apply for work authorization:

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/20120612-napolitano-announces-deferred-action-process-for-young-people.shtm
    

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Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term Congresswoman representing the 17th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. A former state legislator and school principal, she is the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.