Thousands of people attended the First Annual Indiana Latino Expo sponsored by WTHR Saturday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
It offered health, education and government services to those in the Latino community.
One of the hot topics of the day was President Obama's "immigration policy change" or so-called "Deferred Action plan".
The move brings hope to the Latino community especially students.
Ball State Senior Ricardo Guisse spent the day at the Latino Expo talking with teens hoping to go on to college.
"I'm an architecture student," said Guisse.
The 22-year-old came to the U.S. legally from Peru and is hopeful the President's plan to grant relief from deportation to young immigrants who meet certain requirements will benefit his classmates who are undocumented.
Guisse explained, "I think it is a positive step to continue with those who have actually been here for a long time and have contributed to our community."
Republicans argue the President's stance is politically driven, Latino organizations applaud the step.
"What it means for the Latino community in Indiana and I would say across the nation is that there is hope," said Charlie Garcia.
He is with the Indiana Latino Expo and says this act will have the biggest impact on kids who came to the U.S. at a young age and know no other home.
He says, "They're born into America. They speak English, they have American values and at the end of the day, just because their parents were undocumented, they are still American."
Garcia says the overwhelming turnout for consulate services on Saturdays serves as proof, change needs to happen.
"These are people that are coming here for work visas, educational visas, citizenship applications, these are people who want to stay here and be a part of our community," Gracia explained.
As hundreds of people waited for consulate services they say they welcome deferred action but believe more needs to be done.
"I think it's a good step but it's a very complex situation from very many points of view so it's not an easy solution," says Mark
With political campaigns firing up, immigration won't likely end up at the of the line.
As part of our continuing commitment to the city's Latino community, WTHR will launch "Eyewitness News Espanol" on Monday.
The Spanish-speaking newscast will be available weeknights on wthr.com.
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