FOR RELEASE: June 6, 2012
CONTACT: Stephanie Niedringhaus, 202-347-9797 x224, sniedringhaus@networklobby.org

Washington DC: NETWORK celebrates with many immigrant youth today and applauds the White House initiative to extend justice and mercy to our brothers and sisters who have been repeatedly denied fairness. In a compassionate and courageous move, White House officials announced today that the Department of Homeland Security will no longer arrest and/or deport certain immigrants who are not above 30 years old and who arrived here before they were 16 years old.

Sister Simone Campbell, NETWORK Executive Director, commented, “This is a great day and big step forward. NETWORK rejoices that our bus tour for faith, families and fairness with start on such a high note. We thank President Obama for making this happen.”

If these younger immigrants have been leading law-abiding lives in the U.S.  for more than five years and have graduated from high school, attained their GED or served in the military, they will presumably qualify for the deferred action. The initiative includes a means by which the qualified immigrants can obtain a work permit as well.

Deferred action is not a permanent solution and does not provide a path to citizenship.  However, it removes the fear of deportation and destruction of family unity for many immigrants. It is estimated that approximately one million immigrants will benefit from this action, if fully implemented as reported.  NETWORK will continue to fight for a legitimate path to citizenship for ALL DREAMERS, regardless of present age.