CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The day after President Barack Obama announced sweeping reforms in immigration policy, anticipation is trickling down to immigrant families in Charlotte.
In an apartment in east Charlotte, a room filled with undocumented immigrants was still talking about the president's speech Thursday.
[ Special Section: Immigration Reform ]
"We were very, very happy," said Isele Delamora. "We were moved to tears."
Delamora has been in Charlotte for 20 years without legal documentation.
She has children who were born here and they will play a key role in her ability to stay here without fear of deportation. The Obama immigration plan will allow the parents of U. S. citizens to avoid deportation for three years by registering with the government and paying a fee.
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Mo Idlibby, a Charlotte immigration attorney, says once the measures are put in place, undocumented immigrants will breathe a sigh of relief, at least for a while.
"The three things you're going to be able to do are get legal work authorization, go get your Social Security number and get a driver's license," Idlibby said.
Immigrants tell Eyewitness News that will provide them with a sense of freedom they've seldom felt since coming to Charlotte. Enedina Gillen, who came to Charlotte 14 years ago without papers, says fear has been a constant companion.
[ FULL ADDRESS: Obama spurns GOP with expansive immigration orders ]
"When you go out you're always afraid the police are going to stop you. You always live with the fear that they're going to deport you," Gillen said.
Maudia Melendez said the president's executive action offers hope, and not just to the parents.
"This is a prayer answered for the children,” Melendez said.
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