President Obama Announces Policy to Limit Deportation for Certain Illegals

Earlier today President Barack Obama announced a new immigration policy to limit deportation that applies to young people known as the Dreamers but this is not the Dream Act.

In order to qualify for a work permit and be spared from deportation, an individual must meet the following criteria:

-have arrived to the us by age 16

-lived in the us continuously for 5 years

-enrolled in school, received a diploma or GED or served in the military

-no criminal record, not even misdemeanors

-not older than 30 years

Immigration Lawyer Nicole Eyward explains the policy is a program that hands out a work permit, which lasts two years. It can be renewed without limitation.

This policy does not grant citizenship or legal status.

Eyward also said this work permit does not lead directly to citizenship but may down the road it can indirectly lead to legal status.

According to Reuters, about 11.5 million illegal immigrants live in America (as of 2011) and the Obama Administration estimates only 800,000 people will qualify under this new policy.

Illegal immigrant children cannot apply for this waiver until they turn 16. Officials also say the young children will not face deportation either.

If you need more information or would like to apply for this work permit, consult with a licensed professional immigration attorney.

Jessica Solis, Fox 2 News.