The summer of 2012 marks a historical moment for undocumented aliens all over America. The Obama administration announced it would grant, “deferred action” status to young people who qualify as D.R.E.A.M. Act students.

The Development Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act provides citizenship to alien minors brought to America by parents or relatives. Minors who came to the U.S. at age 15 or younger and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years, who are of good moral character and have graduated from high school, obtained a G.E.D., or are serving in the military qualify for the D.R.E.A.M. Act.

“I’m personally for it because as a teacher I know students have worked hard academically and at being good citizens,” said Spanish teacher Ellen Rainey. “It’s never the kid’s fault either. There’s nothing they can do about it, and they’re being denied an education and just becoming a burden on society.”

Despite popular belief, the D.R.E.A.M. Act has not actually been passed. The Obama administration will stop deporting and begin granting work permits to alien immigrants who came to America as children. The grant will affect as many as 800,000 immigrants who live in constant fear of deportation.

Although the D.R.E.A.M. Act was not actually passed, it does partially achieve its goals. Anyone who does receive deferred action will be safe from prosecution for two years with the deferment subject to renewal. This does not grant permanent residency but gives conditional residency to those between the ages of 15 and 30.

“Students area really excited. This is not the D.R.E.A.M Act and doesn’t resolve everything for these students, but it’s a huge step forward for this community,” said Roberto Gonzalez, a leading expert on immigration issues at the University of Chicago.

Even though the D.R.E.A.M. Act has been in Congress for over a decade, Obama’s “deferred action” sparks some major hope into Hispanic communities including Springdale’s.

“It’s very good because a lot of students don’t have papers and now they can work and drive,” said junior Brenda Aguilar.

Obama, who leads Romney 64 percent to 27 percent among Latinos, according to the Los Angeles Times, will depend on swing states in the upcoming election. Many state that Obama’s timing for the deferred action was only to get the Latino vote, though others disagree.

“I don’t think it’s because of the election,” said Mrs. Rainey, “but because it took that long to get support.”