San Diego (KSWB) — As many as 150,000 undocumented immigrants in San Diego could benefit from President Obama’s executive action, according to Christian Ramirez with Alliance San Diego, an organization dedicated to helping immigrants and undocumented persons.
Among the requirements Obama outlined that would protect thousands from deportation, undocumented immigrants will have to maintain a clean record and pay taxes.
“The president did the right thing, siding with families and not the politicians,” Ramirez said.
“I am so happy,” San Diego resident Patricia Valenzuela said in broken English.
“We won’t have to live in fear anymore,” said Valenzuela’s daughter Diana, who benefited from Obama’s first executive action on immigration.
But while many applauded Obama for taking action, some believe he will regret it.
“That’s not how our democracy works,” said Ron Nehring of the San Diego Republican Party.
Republicans have questioned the legality of the president’s action and whether it will deepen divisions in Congress.
“He should wait for the new congress to come in and see what they can agree on,” Nehring said.
Obama’s executive action is expected to take effect in the spring.
By Christian De La Rosa
