ARIZONA CITY, AZ (CBS5) -
An Arizona father, on the verge of deportation, was overwhelmed with emotion Friday when he heard the news about President Barack Obama's new immigration policy.
Pedro Gutierrez, 24, is an illegal immigrant who grew up in Arizona, but was going to be deported after getting pulled over for a speeding ticket.
Federal immigration officials recently granted him a one year extension, but now it looks like Gutierrez can stay much longer.
"I want the American dream just like anyone else," Gutierrez said. "I want to raise my family here, watch my little girl grow up and go to school. I want her to have a life with her father in it."
The Arizona City dad is like thousands of young, illegal immigrants across the country who came to America as a young child, brought here by a parent or grandparent.
"I really consider myself an American," Gutierrez said. "I've been here, pretty much my whole life, and I had no choice but to come here. I've been through the education system and if I went back to Mexico I'd having nothing left. I have no family there. My family is here. I'm about as American as anyone else."
Because of his immigration status, Gutierrez has been unable to get a real job after high school or join the military, leaving him in limbo on his fate and future.
But all that changed Friday, when the President announced a major change in U.S. immigration policy.
Anyone under the age of 30, brought to this country before the age of 16, can get a two-year deferral on deportation and is eligible to apply for work authorization.
"I was so excited. My heart just started beating like crazy," Gutierrez said. "I could not stop smiling. I just wanted to cry, but I had to hold my tears in front of my kids. I was just happy, just overwhelmed with happiness."
Gutierrez said that he has always wanted to be a U.S. Marine, but couldn't apply because of his undocumented status.
Gutierrez is hoping to sign up soon.
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Pedro Gutierrez
