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In the hours before President Barack Obamas anticipated announcement of unilateral immigration reform, NewsCenter 16 reached out to local groups that have been advocating for reform on a national level for years.

There is excitement, its bittersweet, its bittersweet, said Jesusa Rivera, a community organizer for the group Gamaliel.

Immigration reform is not what we imagined when we started fighting for this ten years ago but its a very historic victory for our movement. Millions of peoples lives will be changed yet well continue to fight because its not over, Rivera explained.

An announcement on immigration has been long awaited, some close to the White House said the announcement would likely protect up to five million unauthorized immigrants from the threat of deportation and provide work permits.

Rivera agreed with President Obamas anticipated decision to utilize his executive authority.

If our congress cannot get it done during the time frame theyve had a lot of time do thatsomething needs to happen, said Rivera.

Attorney at Law, Rudy Monterossa, said any change in immigration law that facilitates the path to citizenship is a much-needed change.

Monterossa deals with families and individuals seeking legal avenues to work and even drive. Unfortunately, as a part-time public defender, he sees many illegal immigrants appearing in court for repeat offenses of driving without a license.

The fact is that a lot of those individuals of the 12.5 million that are here unlawfully do have a petition submitted or some other legal means to legalize their status, but because our system is so backlogged it takes forever for them to legalize, Monterossa explained.

Contrary to Republican criticism that President Obamas expected use of the Executive Order is unconstitutional, Monterossa believes Obama is well within his authority to make the change.

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Immigration announcement is "bittersweet" for those seeking reform