Washington (CNN) - In an election-year policy change, the Obama administration said Friday it will stop deporting young illegal immigrants who entered the United States as children if they meet certain requirements.
Under the new policy, people younger than 30 who came to the United States before the age of 16, pose no criminal or security threat, and were successful students or served in the military can get a two-year deferral from deportation, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said.
In an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer, Napolitano explained the new policy in detail and emphasized that this is not a pathway to citizenship. "That's where Congress needs to act," Napolitano said, "We continue to urge the Congress to pass the DREAM Act, look at comprehensive immigration reform, the immigration system as a whole."
Blitzer's full interview with Napolitano airs Friday on "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," from 4pm to 6pm ET.
Gen. John Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, tells Wolf Blitzer the U.S. soldier who allegedly killed 16 Afghan civilians acted alone.
"This is under investigation" he said, "but this appears it was an action of a single soldier."
In the exclusive interview on "The Situation Room," Allen confirmed the U.S. military is taking the lead on the investigation.
"We will certainly keep the Afghan government informed throughout this investigation," he explained, "but this individual will be investigated and the outcome will be in accordance with U.S. law."
Allen offered his sincere condolences to the victims, their families and the Afghan people.
"This is tremendously regrettable. We are investigating it aggressively and we will hold the individual accountable should the evidence point to his culpability here."
RELATED STORY: Washington base back in spotlight after Afghan shootings
The Hispanic Leadership Network is demanding an apology for President Obama campaign manager Jim Messina's tweet.
Line of the day from WAPO's Dana Milbank: "The chimichanga? It may be the only thing Republicans have left to offer Latinos."
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Jim Messina (@Messina2012) February 15, 2012Should he apologize? CNN contributors Maria Cardona and Mary Matalin discuss in the Strategy Session.
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Both former House Speaker Newt Gingrich & Gov. Rick Perry will be guests in "The Situation Room" tomorrow.
Do you have any questions for either of the Republican candidates? Submit them in the comment section here and we may use it during the interviews.
Tune in to "The Situation Room" on CNN tomorrow 4-6p ET for Wolf Blitzer's interviews with Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry.
In an interview today with CNN's Wolf Blitzer on "The Situation Room," Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann said both former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich have a lot of explaining to do for being "on both sides of the issues.”
Bachmann was also asked about the lastest sexual allegations against Herman Cain, and the controversy that erupted after her appearance on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon."
RELATED STORY: Bachmann on flip-floppers
RELATED VIDEO: Bachmann: Fallon band song appalling
RELATED VIDEO: Bachmann reacts to Cain allegations
Take a look at some of the most memorable GOP debate moments this year, including Perry's "oops."
(CNN) – Sen. John McCain has some words of wisdom for Gov. Rick Perry ahead of Tuesday’s CNN Republican debate: Get some rest.
“Every time I made a serious mistake politically and I’ve made them, it’s been when I’m tired,” McCain said in an interview Friday on CNN’s “The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer.”
(CNN) – Whether President Barack Obama's first ever Twitter town hall is considered a #success or #fail, it's surely another example of the White House's embrace of social media and technology.
Here's a look back at some of the key uses of social media since Obama was elected:
(CNN) – Sen. Rand Paul wants the debt crisis solved quickly, even if it requires canceling his vacation until a deal is reached on the debt ceiling.
The Kentucky Republican is among lawmakers joining President Barack Obama’s calls for Congress to stay in session over the upcoming vacation week and confront America’s debt crisis.
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