Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

President Obama announced a new policy that allows law-abiding young people who were brought here illegally as children to not face deportation.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

Immigrant students had in recent years become highly organized and increasingly public in their quest to gain legal residency.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

“It’s not everything that we need, but it’s a big step," said Renata Teodoro, right, who moved from Brazil when she was 6 years old.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

Brothers Carlos, left, and Rodrigo Saavedra, of Peru, hugged during an event at the Student Immigration Movement's office in Boston.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

Aly Lopez, 20, left, of Mexico, and Keylin Chicas, 19, of El Salvador, reacted to the news.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

Left to right, Gladys Martinez, 22, of Mexico, Nataly Castano, 23, of Colombia, and Jose Palma, 35, of Colombia, listened to Obama’s speech.