Lauren Gray graduated from Stephens College in May with a bachelor’s degree in dance. Lauren was born in England but has been living legally in the U.S. since she was 4 years old. Now, due to a delay with her green card, she might be forced to leave the country on July 31. Photograph by Carrie Anne Durkee

Stephens College graduate Lauren Gray, who came to the U.S. from England when she was four years old, had become the center of an immigration controversy in recent months. A legal immigrant, Gray was facing deportation because she was no longer a dependent of her parents. Many wondered how a legal immigrant could be forced to leave when so much effort has been put forth in finding ways to rectify the living situations of the millions who come here illegally. President Barack Obama announced in June that the Department of Homeland Security would stop the deportation of law-abiding immigrants who were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. The move did not, however, apply to Gray.

After intervention on the part of U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, though, Gray’s been granted a two-year deferment and can apply for a work permit. McCaskill spoke with Janet Napolitano, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to allow Gray to stay. At least for now.