Administration will not prosecute young people brought to the U.S. as children

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree praised President Obama’s announcement today that the government will stop prosecuting young people brought to the United States as children, even if they entered the country illegally.

“It's not right to punish children who've done nothing wrong because you don’t like what their parents did,” Pingree said. “The President’s announcement means hundreds of thousands of young people will no longer have to live in fear and they will be able to keep contributing to the country they love.”

The President’s announcement puts into place some of the provisions of the DREAM Act, which Pingree cosponsored. The policy announced today applies to anyone who arrived in this country before they turned 16, are currently 30 or younger and have lived in the United States for at least 5 years.  Under the policy those immigrants will be allowed to get a work permit and will not face deportation.

It’s not just about where you were born that makes you American. It’s about how you live your life and what you do in the only country you've always loved and called home, too,” Pingree said. “If Congress isn’t going to act and make this common sense reform, I’m glad the President has stepped up to the plate and put this policy into effect.”