June 21st, 2012
Posted in NEW ORLEANS, LA – A Louisiana immigrant has been given new hope after President Obama announced last week that the country will stop deporting young foreigners and offer them work permits.
“You’re told by your family not to say anything to anybody, just to keep going to school and living your life, but that if you say something, police or immigration are going to come and take you from your home and separate you from your mother and your father,” said Tania Mattos, whose parents came to Louisiana from Bolivia 24 years ago when she was a small child.
As an illegal immigrant, Mattos has not been able to obtain a social security number, drivers license or even financial aid for college.
“I put myself through college,” said explained. “I can’t receive any loans or financial aid so I worked three jobs at a time to pay for my college.”
However, as of last Friday, the Obama Administration announced that undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. before the age of 16 and who are under the age of 30 will be offered deferred action, provided that the immigrants have no criminal history and a high school diploma or GED.
Mattos hopes that with this first step, she will eventually be able to obtain citizenship for herself and her family.
“My life is here,” said Mattos. “I feel more of an American than a Bolivian.”
While the deferred action policy helps younger foreigners, others who do not meet all the criteria still need help. If you or someone you know needs assistance with an immigration issue in Louisiana, speak to an immigration lawyer immediately.
Louisiana immigration attorneys help you apply for legal status, assist with family reunification and can even help you find a job.
Schedule a consultation with a Louisiana immigration attorney today.
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