Congressman Cummings Joins CASA To Inspire Immigration Action
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (WJZ)-- Waiting for protection. As the undocumented community waits for temporary relief from deportation--Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings is urging them to get prepared.
Political Reporter Pat Warren has more on the congressman's intentions.
Congressman Cummings wants those who qualify to move forward, despite the fact that the promised relief is stalled in court.
It's called deferred action, and an audience in Owings Mills is learning what it means.
"We have to do everything in our power to open the door so immigrants can not only stay in this country, but can thrive," said U.S. Rep Elijah Cummings.
The spotlight turned to Maryland's undocumented immigrant population with the Dream Act.
"I feel as American as anybody else I enjoy Halloween, Christmas, all that. Even Independence Day—I feel fully American."
A feeling President Obama intends to extend.
"The actions I've taken are only a temporary first step," the president said.
That temporary first step is to allow those whose children are us citizens or legal permanent residents to apply for temporary relief from deportation.
"I was born in Chile. I put my root down here," one woman said.
But it hit a stumbling block in a federal court ruling to allow a lawsuit filed by 26 states to go forward.
"While there is a court action now we don't know what's going to happen in regard to that court action. This event today is to make sure they are prepared in the event the court action against it fails," said Cummings.
The congressman's appearance at this orientation session was a message of encouragement.
"You are going to have work authorization, that you are going to have social security, and now you are going to work legally and pay taxes," said Gustavo Torres, CASA Maryland.
Still. It applies only to those who qualify.
An estimated 150 thousand families in Maryland qualify for deferred status.
The Obama administration has appealed to the court to move forward with the plan.