Mexican immigrants can now get birth certificates in the U.S.

Mexican immigrants will no longer have to travel back to Mexico to obtain copies of their birth certificates.

Starting Thursday, the Mexican government will offer birth certificates to Mexican citizens at consulates within the United States. The new plan will help immigrants obtain U.S. work permits, driver's licenses, and protection from deportation.

"It is a huge help. It helps individuals really begin to formulate their formal identity in this country," Angelica Salas, executive director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, told The Associated Press.

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AP notes that nearly half of America's 11 million illegal immigrants are from Mexico. As many as three million Mexicans may be able to apply for work permits and deportation protection under President Obama's proposed immigration plan, which the House of Representatives has voted to block.