Last week, President Obama gave a speech outlining his plan for comprehensive immigration reform.
In his speech, he emphasized a path to citizenship, continuing to strengthen border security and cracking down on employers who hire undocumented immigrants.
In Pres. Obama’s first term, he deported an unprecedented 1.5 million immigrants and began a deferred deportation program for young immigrants. The program has allowed some undocumented youth to come out of hiding in the hopes of obtaining two-year work permits, but application costs can go upwards of $465 and renewal of the permit after the two years is not guaranteed.
VoiceWaves caught up with some young people in Long Beach to hear their take on the president’s speech. While they do differ on some aspects, all agree that current immigration policies must be changed. To listen to their thoughts, watch the video above.
For more information about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, go HERE.
