Local Students Discuss Obama's Immigration Policy Shift

14:29

June 21, 2012

Supporters of President Obama's announcement on immigration policy rally outside the White House Friday. (AP)

Last week, President Obama announced hundreds of thousands undocumented immigrants will no longer face the threat of deportation.

"They pledge allegiance to our flag, they are Americans in their heart, in their minds," the president said in announcing the new policy. "In every single way but one: on paper."

The executive order does not grant permanent legal status to these young people. But for those under age 30, who were brought to the U.S .before they were 16, have lived here for at least five years, and are in "good standing", the policy allows them to obtain work permits, driver's licenses, and other documents they've lacked.

The policy change will no doubt play a role in the 2012 presidential election. But it will also play a significant role in the lives of many living here in Massachusetts.

Three of those affected join us in studio to talk about what the president's decision means for them.

Guests:

Carlos Rojas, 18, recent graduate of Boston Latin
Armando Ghinaglia, 19, rising junior at Yale University
Daniela Bravo, 24, part-time student at UMass Boston

More:

This segment aired on June 21, 2012.