Deferred Action Immigrants in the Q.C. - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Deferred Action Immigrants in the Q.C.

By Natalie Zarowny
nzarowny@cbs4qc.com

Eight years ago, when he was just fourteen years old, Gabriel Aguilera left Mexico with his mother to join his father here in the United States.

Since then, he's married and has two kids.

The whole time, the Quad Cities has been home.

"My family is here, everybody is here," said Gabriel.

For the first time in his life, Gabriel can now legally work where he lives.

That's thanks to the deferred action program, which Gabriel applied for as soon as he could back in August.

"It was fast and easy," said Gabriel.

Deferred action is a process where an undocumented immigrant who came to the United States when they were young, can ask to have their deportation put off for two years.

It also allows them to work legally, although they still don't have legal status as a U.S. citizen.

"There's no guarantees that go with this benefit," said Dolores Tapia, a local attorney.

Tapia has been helping Gabriel, and others, apply for deferred action status.

She said Gabriel, like most of the young people who've come to her, jumped at the opportunity.

"He came ready with all of his paperwork, and in one day to the next I had his packet ready," said Tapia.

It all sounds too good to be true, and in some ways, it is.

Deferred action does gives you the legal right to work, however it's not a step towards becoming a citizen.

Whatever happens in the future, Gabriel is enjoying what he has right now.

"It's gonna be better, I know that for sure," said Gabriel.