From tiny televisions at home to large makeshift screens on public lawns, Southern Californians gathered Thursday night to listen as President Obama granted temporary deportation relief to as many as 5 million immigrants.
“Finally,” said Martha Alvarado, a 27-year-old engineering student from El Salvador. “Finally.”
With tears in her eyes, she watched the announcement outside the federal prison in downtown Los Angeles, where people had gathered. The changes will allow Alvarado, who came to the U.S. at 17, to apply for a work permit and begin her career.
Like her, many sighed with relief to finally be able to come out of the shadows. Others seeking broader immigration reform protested, calling Obama’s plan far too limited.
Continue reading: http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-1121-obama-immigration-reaction-20141121-story.html
Further reading:
Full text: Obama’s immigration speech
Obama’s huge new immigration plan, explained
Republican leaders hope to contain outrage in the ranks over Obama immigration moves
The Secular Jurist 