WASHINGTON, November 21, 2014—Yesterday, the Equal Rights Center (ERC)—a national non-profit civil rights organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.—applauds President Obama’s executive order to protect an estimated 4 million undocumented immigrants from deportation.

As outlined by the president in a primetime address last night, this action is composed of three tiers: increased border enforcement, enhanced visa options for highly skilled workers and a delayed deportation option for nearly 4 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. Those that quality or this deferred deportation are individuals who are parents of children who are citizens or permeant residents of the U.S. and have lived in the U.S. for more than five years. Those who meet these qualifications must register, pay a fee, submit a criminal background check, and immediately begin paying taxes.

“Through this executive action, President Obama has made good on one of the key promises made in his 2008 and 2012 campaigns,” said Melvina Ford, executive director of the Equal Rights Center. “In lieu of meaningful congressional action, the president has acted within his legal authority to protect children and families, to treat people with dignity and to advance prosperity for us all.”

About the Equal Rights Center (www.equalrightscenter.org)
Originally formed in 1983, the Equal Rights Center (ERC) is a national non-profit civil rights organization based in Washington, D.C. With members located in every state and the District of Columbia, the ERC works nationally to promote equal opportunity in housing, employment, disability rights, immigrant rights, and access to public accommodations and government services for all protected classes under federal, state, and local laws.