Immigration DREAM Act
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: August 16, 2012
Many undocumented immigrants can say a big thank you to the President because they can now stay in the U.S. To get a deferred action permit they must however be between the ages of 15 and 31 and meet certain qualifications. The program is open to young immigrants who came to the country before they were 16 and have lived here continuously for at least five years. They must have no criminal record, and they must be enrolled in - or have completed high school. But the founder of the Mohawk Valley Latino Association says there could be more to the program than meets the eye.
"Immigration is a sticky and scary word for those that are here undocumented you know, 2 or 3 children may be affected, they may be able to get help and become legal but the parents will suffer and they're afraid that the parents will get deported," says Sonia Martinez, founder of Mohawk Valley Latino Association.
Martinez is referring to the age qualifications in the act. Although young immigrants who qualify may be able to work without fear of deportation for at least two years - they fear coming forward may put their parents and other family members who don't fall in the age range - in danger of deportation.
"Immigration is a sticky and scary word for those that are here undocumented you know, 2 or 3 children may be affected, they may be able to get help and become legal but the parents will suffer and they're afraid that the parents will get deported," says Sonia Martinez, founder of Mohawk Valley Latino Association.
Martinez is referring to the age qualifications in the act. Although young immigrants who qualify may be able to work without fear of deportation for at least two years - they fear coming forward may put their parents and other family members who don't fall in the age range - in danger of deportation.


