Philadelphia Immigrants Rally Outside U.S. Supreme Court In Support Of Obama's Immigration Plan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia immigrants were among those who rallied outside of the U.S. Supreme Court Monday as the eight justices heard oral arguments over the legality of executive actions taken by President Obama to protect immigrants.
Originally from Jamaica, Prudence Powell came to America at 12 years old. But for nearly two decades, she lived undocumented, in the shadows, until President Obama issued his Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, one of two executive orders that would shield nearly 5-million undocumented immigrants from deportation.
"I just qualified for DACA three years ago," Powell said, "and I just renewed it last year."
It means Powell can live without fear. In the past three years, she's gotten her GED and a job in Philadelphia to better care for her two American-born children.
Powell rallied outside of the court with hundreds of advocates, urging the Supreme Court to allow the President's Order to stand.
Twenty-six states are challenging the orders, arguing they force states to provide drivers licenses and other resources to undocumented immigrants. Pennsylvania and New Jersey are not a part of the case.
A decision is expected in June.
