(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Immigrant advocates and public officials gathered early Thursday morning to celebrate the announcement of President Joe Biden's new immigration program called "Action to Keep Immigrant Families Together."
Mayor Brandon Johnson called the president's new program "the biggest immigration policy victory since the implementation of DACA."
Biden's program would allow about 500,000 undocumented immigrants who are married to a U.S. citizen to apply for work permits and deportation protections — if they've lived in the United States for at least 10 years, among other requirements.
Johnson said the president's action gives immigrants a chance to work and pursue their dreams in this country.
"Like the generations of immigrants who came before them, our newest arrivals are coming here to work, to live and, ultimately, to experience freedom in a land of promise," the mayor said.
Chicago will continue to welcome new immigrants, Johnson said, and he added that immigrants need greater avenues towards residency and employment.
Rey Wences Nakira, the first deputy of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee rights, had a word of caution on Thursday.
"Today we celebrate, but we know the fight must continue," they said.
Congresswoman Delia Ramirez said she's part of a family that could benefit from Biden's new program.
"Families will not have to choose between separation and being able to live out of the shadows," Ramirez said. "It is going to make a significant impact not just for that family but, we know, for the fabric of our communities."
The congresswoman called the president's action a significant step forward.
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