President Obama announces DACA, deferring deportations for young immigrants

President Barack Obama announces Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), a Department of Homeland Security policy allowing young people brought to the United States before age 16 to request relief from deportation. Secretary Janet Napolitano directs DHS agencies to implement the policy, under which eligible individuals will be considered for deferred action for two years, subject to renewal. Beneficiaries become eligible to apply for work authorization. Obama states that deporting talented young people who grew up as Americans makes no sense and calls on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.