Almost five million people living illegally in the United States can avoid deportation under extensive changes to the American immigration system.
U.S. President Barack Obama urged people to come out of shadows and live lawfully.
According to the BBC, republicans said that the action, without Congress, is beyond his authority and the relations would become bitter.
There are around 11 million immigrants living illegally in the country.
Obama cleared that the plan allows millions to work but it would not offer a path to citizenship or entitle them to the same benefits as Americans.