JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- For more than a decade, Javier Ricaldi, 25, has dreamed of a day when he won't have to live in the shadows.
That dream came true, at least for the time being.
He recently got approval to receive a temporary work permit and a Social Security card under President Obama's executive order known as "Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals."
"It's just a help, this is just a little bit that they can give us," said Ricaldi.
Ricaldi's mother brought him to the United States from Bolivia when he was 13 years old.
They lived in Virginia for a year and eventually ended up in Jacksonville.
He graduated from Englewood High School in 2006 and considers the River City the only home he's ever known.
Now for the first time since he's been here, he'll be able to learn how to drive and more importantly get a job legally.
"I just want a chance, that's all I want," said Ricaldi.
But a two-year work permit and Social Security card do not mean that Ricaldi is on his way to becoming a citizen.
That's why he's paying close attention to the new proposal announced by a group of senators, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio.
The five-page plan could give a pathway to citizenship to millions of undocumented immigrants.
The proposal would also give special consideration to people like Ricaldi who came to this country as children and have no criminal record.
Under the plan, Ricaldi would not be subject to the same requirements as those who knowingly broke immigration laws.
Although the plan will likely face an upward battle in the Republican-controlled House, it is still a glimmer of hope Ricaldi says is long overdue.
"It's time, please, it's time. We have waited long enough. We need it and it's time," said Ricaldi.
Lawmakers will continue to iron out the details of their plan in the next few months. It's expected to be drafted into legislation by March.
