OPINION - Jose Antonio Vargas on Change to Deportation Policy

"Jose Antonio Vargas: Immigration Decision 'Joyous'" by: Christina Bellantoni, PBS Newshour 6/15/2012

President Obama announced a sweeping change to deportation policy Friday, a move that would allow some 800,000 undocumented young people to remain in the United States if they go to school and stay out of trouble.

The NewsHour was there as some of the young people impacted by the decision watched the president's speech at the American Immigration Lawyers Association in Washington. At that event, we spoke with Jose Antonio Vargas, (Pulitzer Prize winner) the journalist who revealed one year ago he is an undocumented immigrant.

In our video, Vargas explains how he was brought to the United States as a young boy, and then reacts to the president's move. Mr. Obama's announcement comes less than a day after Vargas and other so-called "dreamers" appeared on the cover of Time Magazine for a story that highlights the thousands of undocumented young people in the United States and hoping for change.

Vargas' Define American group lauded the decision and launched a petition urging others to come forward. In that note, Vargas notes he does not qualify under the rules since he is over the age of 30.

We'll have more from the other side, and more coverage, soon. Watch Friday's NewsHour to hear from the White House and GOP Rep. James Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin.