UFW reacts to President Obama’s speech
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. – The battle at the border takes center stage as President Obama addresses the nation about immigration.
Tonight’s executive order is the president’s response to what he calls a failure by Washington.
Mr. Obama’s plan is to circumvent congress and extend legal status to more than five million illegal immigrants who are already in the U.S.
He also plans to boost visas for valuable high-skilled workers and wants to strengthen security along the southwest border.
So, who exactly will get relief as part of this plan?
Four million illegal immigrants who are related to a U.S. citizen and who have been in the country for five years or more with no criminal record.
300,000 illegal immigrants who came to the U.S. as children or so-called dreamers will not be eligible for the deferred action program.
400,000 highly skilled workers will be eligible for visas.
Some other small categories for relief will bring the affected number above five million.
Luz Peña, a communications coordinator with the United Farm Workers of America sent 23ABC a statement from the president of the organization, Arturo Rodriguez:
The United Farm Workers commends President Obama for his leadership by acting on immigration policy. The President’s action will allow at least 250,000 of America’s current professional farm workers, who feed our nation to apply for temporary legal status and work permits. Farm workers, who have lived in the United States for five years and have children, who are US citizens or Legal Permanent Residents, who pass a criminal background check, pay all of their taxes, and pay a fee will be able to work and live in the United States without fear of deportation. We encourage everyone who believes they or someone they know is eligible to contact the UFW Foundation at (877-) 881-8281 or text at 877877, and to go to Sisepuede.org
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