Watch CBS News

Bay Area's Undocumented Immigrants Watching Closely As President Set To Unveil Amnesty Plan

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) -- Undocumented immigrants in the San Francisco Bay Area will be watching closely as President Obama unveils his plan to let them stay.

10-year old Michael Mata was born in the U.S., but his mother Estella is from Mexico.  Despite living on and off in the U.S. for 25-years, she's undocumented and has been deported three times.

The last time Estella came back, the blazing hot sun in Arizona seared her skin, burning the pigment.

She's hoping she's included in the President's plan.

"Yeah, I pray for that."

Phone lines were busy at immigration attorney offices.

"The phone's ringing off the hook and it's complete mass confusion," immigration lawyer Frank Sprouls told KPIX 5.  "They're asking, 'do I apply?' and most importantly, we don't know what it is at all.  Quite a few people will be affected positively, but all they're really going to get is a work permit and deferred deportation."

If Estella isn't included in the plan for amnesty, she plans to pray.

"Go to my church and say, 'Oh my god, another big lie.'"

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.