This weekend, hundreds of young immigrants waited in line for advice on how they can stay in the state through a new Federal program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival.
President Obama's administration made the announcement in June and went into effect this week.
The program is not a path to permanent citizenship, but the young folks that showed up Saturday say it will be able to provide them a chance at a better life.
Atlanta's Latin American Association hosted the overflow crowd. Most of the young adults were brought to the United States as children. Now, because of the new program, they may apply for work permits and deportation protection for two years.
The program has many Republican lawmakers accusing President Obama of favoring undocumented immigrants over unemployed U.S. citizens.
In a statement sent to FOX 5 News this week, Georgia Congressman Phil Gingrey said "President Obama's announcement that he will no longer deport certain illegal immigrants is an election year gimmick that amounts to amnesty and will be implemented at the expense of Georgia's taxpayers."
Once filed, it may take several months for the government to approve those applications.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:17 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:17:23 GMT
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Relief agencies from across the country are collecting supplies to help the victims of the deadly tornado in Moore, Okla. The Peachtree City Police Department is collecting donations that will be delivered this weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:35:16 GMT
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country.
Residents who live on the south side of Atlanta are upset that their community was ranked the ninth most dangerous neighborhood in the country. They're stepping up to defend their neighborhood and organizing residents to form civic associations.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:30:10 GMT
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
In the aftermath of the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are several stories of survival from storm victims who were wearing helmets that may have saved their lives.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges. Brooks pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman.
State Representative Tyrone Brooks appeared in federal court on Wednesday morning to answer to fraud charges.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:46:32 GMT
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife.
Testimony continued Wednesday in a Fulton County courtroom in the case of a Sandy Springs man accused of gunning down his wife. Prosecutors say Michael Parson shot his wife, Adina, eight times in April 2012 outside their apartment.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:20:38 GMT
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe.
Authorities have canceled an Amber Alert for a 1-year-old girl after she was found safe. They say 1-year-old Annya Buchannon was in the back of a car that was stolen just after midnight from the Playskool Daycare on Conley Road in Forest Park.
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Hundreds turn out for a forum on a new Federal immigration program on Saturday, August 18, 2012.
