ImmigrationNew immigration policy separates families, loved ones
When DHS issued, on 15 June, an executive order which would defer, for two years, deportation proceedings against many illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children, it was a day of celebration for many young immigrants and their families; the order went into effect on 15 August; some illegal immigrants had a cause for celebration, but many do not – because they found out they were not eligible
When DHS issued, on 15 June, an executive order which would defer, for two years, deportation proceedings against many illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children, it was a day of celebration for many young immigrants and their families.
The order went into effect on 15 August.
Some illegal immigrants had a cause for celebration, but many do not – because they found out they were not eligible. Now families and friends alike could be separated as some will be preparing for lawful employment and education opportunities, while others will be avoiding a meeting with an immigration official.
The New York Times reports that when the Dream Act, as it is called, stalled in congress, the president instituted many of the act’s components through an executive order. The act applies to immigrants under thirty years of age who came to the United States before they turned sixteen. The act allows them to work legally and avoid deportation for two years, but without green cards or citizenship.
According to the Pew Hispanic Center, 1.7 million people could be eligible while about 2.7 million would not be. For some, the difference between being eligible and being sent home is a difference of just a few months.
Nelly and Alex Cruz are siblings from Honduras who came to the United States six years ago. Alex, who was 12 at the time, can now prepare for a new life free from the daily fears of being deported. Nelly, however, was 18 when she got to the United States and has been under a final order of removal for two years now.
Alex and his sister decided to leave Honduras six years ago because of to increasing violence and lack of job opportunities. They boarded a series of buses that took them through Mexico to the Rio Grande. At the boarder they joined a large group and swam their way across the river carrying only what they could in their pockets.
They were picked up once they crossed into the United States and were taken to a holding facility. “It was worse than being in jail,” Nelly told the New York Times in Spanish, her brother acting as interpreter. “You couldn’t tell if it was day or night. The space was little, and it was cold. People entered and left, kids, women. They say that this country is for opportunities, but in reality, you find your own opportunities.
