'I do feel American; this is my home': Undocumented youth praises deferred action

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by Karen Grace / KENS 5

Bio | Email | Follow: @KENSKarenGrace

kens5.com

Posted on August 15, 2012 at 3:48 PM

Updated Wednesday, Aug 15 at 5:29 PM

SAN ANTONIO -- There were big changes for undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children. Starting Wednesday, they can now petition the government to stay here temporarily.

"I came when I was six years old, with my parents for work reasons," said Nancy Juro."I grew up here. So I do feel American. This is my home."

The 23-year-old is happy about a measure that now allows eligible applicants to avoid deportation and apply for work permits for a two-year period.

Juro was born in Peru but has lived in Texas since she was six. But she has always felt threatened by her undocumented status. A recent graduate from UTSA , she's hopeful she won't be deported. She's joining countless others to apply for deferred action.

Juro is also helping others with the same aim by working at Avanza, a bilingual clinic that educates undocumented youth on how to apply and avoid illegal scammers asking for cash to speed up the process.

"It's a good opportunity for 'Dreamers' across the country to gain a work permit and not have the fear of being deported," said Juro.

She says while she is proud of this moment, she says it is one step toward a permanent solution.

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