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TAMPA — Almost overnight, Cristhian Guzman saw his fortunes change.

The 28-year-old immigrant from Mexico had been trying for five years to get a loan so he, his wife Gloria and their two youngest children could move into their own home.

Guzman was brought to the United States illegally by his parents but became a legal resident under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. Still, even as a so-called “Dreamer,” he didn’t qualify for a loan through the Federal Housing Administration.

“It was disappointing,” Guzman said.

That changed Jan. 19, the day before President Joe Biden took office, when the FHA announced a change in policy extending eligibility to Dreamers who apply for home loans. Guzman and his wife were soon approved.

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