President Obama finally unveiled several executive actions regarding the enforcement of immigration laws. The depth of Obama’s executive action is impressive. One component of the president’s action involves the implementation of deferred action for parents of U.S. citizen or LPR children born on or before November 20, 2014. The parameters of the program are similar to DACA (including the name, DAPA). Parents qualify if they have lived continuously in the U.S. since January 1, 2010 and have not been convicted of certain crimes. This does not create a pathway to citizenship; however, it does provide the opportunity for families, like the Justice’s. to remain united in the U.S.

Jon and Tammy Justice came to the U.S. in 2002. They have two U.S. citizen children 10 and 4. Both children are healthy and happy. The 10-year-old excels in school. Jon works construction and Tammy cleans buildings for a living. Neither makes much money, but they make enough to buy a modest house and provide for their children. They pay their taxes, go to church every Sunday and have no criminal history. The Justice’s are model residents.

In their desire to gain legal status, the Justice’s relied on the help of a crooked attorney who promised them legal status by filing bogus applications for relief. They ended up in removal proceedings, facing potential deportation. They had little chance of success for relief. They were eligible to apply for cancellation of removal, but in a system of twisted priorities, they would not win because of their healthy and successful children.

DAPA does not provide a pathway to citizenship. But it gives them the family stability they need. It lets their children continue to grow in the U.S. And it lets this family stay together and continue to contribute to the local community and economy.

Click here for more information on President Obama’s recent executive action.