Minneapolis 1st city to endorse Obama’s undocumented youth plan - KMSP-TV

Minneapolis first U.S. city to endorse Obama’s undocumented youth plan

The city of Minneapolis on Friday became the first city in the United States to support President Obama's federal policy to allow young illegal immigrants to continue living and working in America.

The city formally endorsed the undocumented youth plan at city hall Friday afternoon.

The application process through ICE and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Process was initiated after the June 15 announcement from the president and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano.

President Obama said young immigrants covered by the policy change have grown up as part of their American communities and sometimes aren't aware they're in the country illegally until they apply for a job, driver's license or college.

"They are Americans in their heart, their minds, in every single way but one -- on paper," Obama said. "Put yourself in their shoes. Imagine you've done everything right your entire life, only to suddenly face the threat of deportation to a country you know nothing about with a language you may not even speak."

Here's the criteria:

1. Came to the United States under the age of 16.

2. Have continuously lived in the United States for a least five years prior to June 15, 2012 and are currently living in the U.S.

3. Are currently in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED, or have been honorably discharged from United States military service.

4. Have not been convicted of a felony, a significant misdemeanor offense, multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

5. Are not above the age of 30.

Undocumented youth who meet these criteria will be eligible to receive deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and will be eligible to apply for work authorization.

More information

• U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Services 
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Department of Homeland Security