Congresswoman Wilson Applauds Immigration Policy Announcement by President Obama and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano

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.”