Immigration-Related Requests Flood Schools

Transcripts needed as proof for illegal immigration protection program

An avalanche of transcript requests from students hoping to qualify for the federal Deferred Action program has overwhelmed Orange County's schools, leaving many paying overtime and reassigning staff to deal with huge backlogs.

Some school districts are reporting they've had 10 to 20 times more transcript requests in just the first two months of this school year compared to all of last year.

Under the program announced by President Barack Obama in June, youths who came to the United States as children and stayed illegally can apply for work permits and two years' protection from deportation. The youth must provide proof they have lived continuously in the country since 2007, with transcripts and diplomas serving as proof of residency.