Young illegal immigrants discuss future under Obama administration’s deferred action program

Thousands of young illegal immigrants are preparing to apply for the right to work legally in America without being deported under a recently enacted federal program.

The program could help more than 1 million young illegal immigrants by giving them work permits, though they would not obtain green cards or a path to citizenship. To be eligible, immigrants must prove they arrived in the U.S. before they turned 16, are 30 or younger, have been living in the country at least five years and are in school or graduated or served in the military. They cannot have been convicted of certain crimes or otherwise pose a safety threat.

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Immigrant advocates have embraced the program that began Wednesday as a long-awaited though temporary fix for young illegal immigrants, many who were brought here as children and grew up in America. But Republican critics accuse President Barack Obama of drafting the plan to boost his political standing with Latinos ahead of November’s presidential election and say the program favors illegal immigrants over unemployed American citizens.

Here are the stories of some of the people eligible for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program:

NAME: Itzel Guillen

AGE: 18

BIRTHPLACE: Mexico City

CURRENT RESIDENCE: San Diego

BACKGROUND: Arrived in San Diego when she was 4 years old with an imposter identification card that was presented to a border inspector. Graduated from Patrick Henry High School in San Diego this year and plans to study psychology at San Diego State University this fall. Plans to apply for temporary status as early as this week.

QUOTE: “Even though it’s temporary and there might be risks, I’m willing to try. I would like to encourage people take a risk as well. If we didn’t take risks, we would all regret it.”

NAME: Carolina Valdivia

AGE: 23

BIRTHPLACE: Mexicali, Mexico.

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Escondido, Calif.

BACKGROUND: Arrived in the San Diego when she was 12 years old and overstayed a tourist visa. Graduated from Orange Glen High School in Escondido, Calif., and California State University, San Marcos with degrees in sociology and criminal justice and will pursue a doctoral degree in sociology with eyes toward a teaching career. Lives in Escondido with her parents, who are in the United States illegally. Plans to apply for temporary status in a month, when transcripts and other documents are in hand.

QUOTE: “(A work permit) would give me an opportunity to really show my potential. At least it would bring a sense of security. At least I would be able to drive and work. I would be able to contribute to the United States.”

NAME: Irving Zambrano

AGE: 18

BIRTHPLACE: Mexico City

CURRENT RESIDENCE: San Diego

BACKGROUND: Arrived in San Diego in the back seat of a car when he was 3 years old. Graduated from Patrick Henry High School in San Diego this year and plans to attend San Diego City College this fall. Hopes to transfer to a University of California school, study mechanical engineering and pursue a career in automotive design. Plans to apply for temporary status within a month.