U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Thursday began reviewing new deportation cases, a move that increases the number of undocumented foreigners who could have their deportations suspended in accord with the new federal policy.

On Aug. 18, President Barack Obama announced a change in the application of the law that would mean a “case by case” review of the judicial proceedings of some 300,000 undocumented immigrants who are facing deportation, something that would allow many of them not only to remain in the United States, but also apply for work permits.