Brewer order blocks Obama policy
Dominic DeCono
President Obama and Gov. Jan Brewer continue to butt heads over policy.
On Aug. 15 Brewer signed an executive order barring undocumented immigrants living in Arizona from receiving benefits from President Obama’s new program named “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.”
DAFCA would have allowed people that were brought to the United States illegally special protection from being deported for two years if they meet specific requirements.
In order to apply for the program, individuals must have been brought to the United States by their parents before the age of 16 but must be younger than 30, have graduated from high school or served two years in the military.
They also must prove they have been living in the United States since June 15, 2007 with no felony convictions.
In her executive order, Brewer stated the following:
“The issuance of Deferred Action or Deferred Action USCIS employment authorization documents to unlawfully present aliens does not confer upon them any lawful or authorized status and does not entitle them to any additional public benefit.”
According to the USCIS, DAFCA would have allowed an estimated 80,000 undocumented immigrants in Arizona to apply for Social Security cards, drivers licenses and work permits.
Brewer’s office did not return any calls for comment on the subject.
