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Maryland Sees Increase In Unauthorized Immigrants

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Love it or hate it, immigration relief for illegal immigrants is here. Saturday, there was a big push to educate those who will benefit about what to expect.

Marcus Washington has more.

The halls of Patterson High School in Baltimore were packed, all connected to President Barack Obama taking executive action in November to shield deportation of millions of immigrants in America illegally.

"But it is now up to us as a community that we get the information out. I don't want people to be susceptible to immigration fraud or scams," said Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.

Maryland is one of seven states that has seen an increase of unauthorized immigrants since 2009. Studies show that number grew by 25,000 people, pushing that population to 250,000 in Maryland by 2012.

"A vibrant city that's welcoming to new Americans and now we will be able to take advantage; people will be able to come out of hiding and help us to have a better, safer and stronger city," Rawlings-Blake said.

Immigration relief will protect parents of U.S.-born citizens or children who are legal permanent residents, along with those brought to the U.S. illegally as children.

Rawlings-Blake says the orientation is about helping families reach their full potential and help take advantage of all the changes of the laws.

"What we're doing is educating our families about the extraordinary decision of President Obama to relieve more than 5 million people all around the nation," said Casa de Maryland president Gustavo Torroes.

Thousands of people will benefit from the president's executive decision in Baltimore City and county.

"Today, educating them about what it means exactly, how you can benefit and what documents you need to be prepared," he said.

The final regulations have not been released but Casa's executive director says they are looking to start helping with the immigration relief process by May 1.

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