Today Is A Big Day

To most, August 15th may not be a significant date on the calender.  It's a Wednesday.  A slightly gloomy Wednesday in my city because of the fog this morning.  My work day hasn't really changed at all because it is August 15th.  Same amount of email, same amount of students, same co-workers, same office.  Chances are, I, along with many other Americans, will look back on August 15, 2012 and not have a vivid memory of today's events.  There is nothing wrong with this, really.  We live in a time where our lives are so busy we forget the world around us.  This isn't always a terrible thing, but today I'd like to share a different perspective.

To some living in the U.S., August 15, 2012 is a very important date.  It is a day that many have been wondering if they would ever see.  It's not a gloomy day full of fog for some.  There are no worries about changes at work or co-workers.  Today is a day of hope for these.  You may know why....you may not.

60 days ago, a recent step taken by the current administration to create a "deferred action process for young people who are low enforcement priorities."  While controversial to say the least, a step-a real one-was taken.  What does this mean for the "young people" mentioned? Here's some information to know:

"Effective immediately, certain young people who were brought to the United States through no fault of their own as young children and meet several key criteria will be considered for relief from removal from the country or entered into removal proceedings. Those who demonstrate that they meet the criteria will be eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal." -Department of Homeland Security: Deferred Action Process

As of today, this is the new policy. The reason August 15, 2012 is such an important date is because of the hope given to those who, without this policy, would not have a chance to contribute academically, economically, and just plain whole-heartedly to the United States.

It is important to remember what this process and policy is NOT. 

1. This is NOT amnesty for undocumented children.
2. This is NOT a pathway to residency.
3. This is NOT an easy and inexpensive process.
4. This is NOT a way to "catch all the illegals."
5. This is NOT a solution to the problem of the broken immigration system in the U.S.

It is, however......a step.  A big step....in the right direction.

For more information:  Read here-http://www.dhs.gov/deferred-action-process