NASHVILLE, Tenn.- When
President Obama issued an executive order allowing some foreign born students
to stay in the country legally, it opened up new possibilities, but it also cleared the way for many unanswered
questions.
Immigrant advocates from
the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition tried to provide some
answers to families at a public forum at Glencliff High School Saturday
afternoon. They explained what students need to do to stay in the country and
continue their education.
"The announcement
came out last Friday, and they are still setting up an application process.
They have 60 days to set up an application. So right now, what we're telling
people is to hang tight, to make sure they have their school records and other
documentation that shows how long they've been in the community and their
involvement in the community. And that they should wait and avoid any scams or
anyone who may be trying to take advantage of this situation," said Amelia
Post with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights.
According to their
website, the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition is a statewide
immigrant and refugee-led collaboration whose mission is to empower immigrants
and refugees throughout Tennessee to develop a unified voice, defend
their rights, and create an atmosphere in which they are recognized as positive
contributors to the state.
For more information
about the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, click here.
