You’ve heard what the pundits and strategists think about the Obama administration’s plan to cease deporting certain eligible undocumented immigrants. But what do the immigrants who would actually be affected think?
This Monday, msnbc’s Thomas Roberts interviewed one of the affected immigrants: Yorneky Santana, a Massachusetts resident and North Shore Community College student who emigrated from the Dominican Republic when she was only 9 years old.
“I’m very optimistic with the president’s new policy,” she said. “I feel that finally my dreams might come true. I’ll be able to work, get a license, and continue with my education.”
She also dismissed the conservative argument that Obama was playing politics with the decision. “Whether it was a political move or not, we are definitely going to take advantage of these opportunities.” According to a report from the Pew Hispanic Center, up to 1.4 million undocumented immigrants could be affected by the administrations new policy. But, she added, the fight is far from over. “Eventually, we’d like to get the DREAM Act passed as well.”
Ned Resnikoff is an urban policy analyst, researcher, writer, and editor. His byline has appeared in a variety of publications, including the New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Dissent, and The Nation. He writes the newsletter Public Comment, which can be found at publiccomment.blog. Recommended
