Dream Act Aims To Help Undocumented Immigrants Work Here Legally

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The law has changed, but a lot of undocumented immigrants who could be applying for help to stay and work here legally are not doing so.

Experts say some undocumented immigrants are afraid to come forward for help because they fear what will happen and how their information may be used.

Now, two organizations are reaching out and raising awareness. Pillsbury United Communities and The Advocates for Human Rights worked together to launch the "No Fear" campaign.

The goal is to increase the quality of life for members of the immigrant community through education, helping them find jobs and buy homes.

They announced their efforts at the State Office Building Friday morning and were joined by Karen Barron, who has been approved under the program.

"Three years after applying, I realize I made the best decision of my life," she said. "Getting over my fears and requesting DACA benefits was the best thing that I could have ever done."

The DACA program offers the ability to apply for a two-year work permit for people who arrived to the U.S. before their 16th birthday, were under the age of 31 on June 15, 2012, and have a record free of felonies and serious misdemeanors. They must also be enrolled in school or have a high school diploma or GED.

A little more than 6,000 people have already applied. The application process is about $465, which includes a filing fee.