Arizona father worries immigration changes won't help

PHOENIX - Miguel Ramirez didn't watch President Barack Obama's announcement on immigration Friday.

He was too busy looking after his four-year old daughter, Sandra.

His face lights up when she's around. She is his life.

But he worries about his immigration status even though he currently has a work permit.

"Thank God," he said when talking about his current status.

Despite the assurance from the president, Ramirez is cautiously optimistic.

According to Dori Zavala, long time immigration attorney, Zavala can probably sleep a little better.

Zavala points out in order to qualify, undocumented immigrants have to have entered the U.S. before the age of 16; have to reside in the country for at least five years and have to be 30 or younger.

Ramirez likely qualifies as he came to the U.S. with his father at the age of 14 and is 30 years old.

"That's very good," he said, pointing out that he also doesn't have a criminal record, another qualification applicants have to meet.

Zavala thinks Obama's move will help the broken immigration system and people like Ramirez will be able to breathe a sigh of relief.

Ramirez is now working at a golf course in Scottsdale where he was featured in a national golfing magazine for his work, and has recently switched jobs to work alongside a chef in the kitchen.

He looks forward to a time when he no longer has to worry about his immigration status and how he'll care for his little girl.