Locals react to President Obama's illegal immigration announcement
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Steve Chamraz reports Video by 620wtmj.com
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MILWAUKEE- President Obama announced Friday that illegal immigrants brought to America as kids can now stay and work.
Critics say the move is bad for American workers. But a number of local people are celebrating the change.
This change in policy will change the lives of hundreds of thousands of people under age 30 and in this country illegally.
Republicans call it political -- and dangerous.
Janeth Zorilla was brought into the United States illegally -- when she was one. Now, she's 17. And -- at least temporarily -- does not have to worry about her undocumented status.
"The weight that was lifted off of our shoulders today is immense..." said Zorilla.
President Obama instructed immigration officials to stop deporting people like Zorilla: Under age 30 and brought here before they turned 16, with no criminal record and in the country for at least five years.
"I was ecstatic. Because it means I'm going to be able to work and give back not only to my community, but my family," said Zorilla.
Republicans say the president is making an end run around the law -- even encouraging new illegal immigration.
In a statement, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson accused the president of creating "...A huge incentive for anyone 30 years or younger to enter America illegally."
Johnson called the move "...Incredibly short sighted and totally irresponsible."
People like Janeth Zorilla -- had wanted the president to do more, but will settle for the little bit of comfort this change brings.
This policy change may only be temporary. It could flip back if President Obama loses this November.
A reason why Republicans say Friday's announcement is purely political.
Meanwhile Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney would not say if he would reverse President Barack Obama's decision to stop deporting some who came to the U.S. as children.
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