Obama administration policy halting deportation of young undocumented immigrants begins this week

Some young undocumented immigrants will be able to start applying for a temporary reprieve from deportation this week following the Obama administration’s directive to that effect. The directive was announced in June.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has long advocated for comprehensive and inclusive immigration reform, including the passage of the DREAM Act, which has stalled in Congress. In addition to the DREAM Act, the Task Force has been working in coalition with immigrant rights groups for immigration reform and passage of the Uniting American Families Act.

Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey said:

Hundreds of thousands of young people will finally be able to breathe a little easier. No longer will they be forced to live in daily fear of being forced out of the country, away from the life and dreams they have built.

This policy ensures brighter and more secure futures for young people, including countless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. The United States is built on the belief that everybody get a fair shake to fully participate in civic life, and to be able to build a future in the country they love and call home. This policy does justice to this fundamental principle and to our common humanity.