Mexico and Central American nations welcomed US President Barack Obama's landmark offer Thursday to protect five million undocumented migrants from deportation, saying it would benefit many of their citizens.

Mexico's foreign ministry said the measures "have the potential to benefit a significant number of Mexicans in that country and improve their opportunities, as well as their dignity."

"This decision will enable an increase in the many contributions that Mexicans make to the economy and society of the United States," it said in a statement.

Mexican and Central American officials said they would provide information about the program to their citizens through their consulates in the United States.

In a televised speech, Obama said nearly all undocumented people living in the country for more than five years and who have a child who is a US citizen or legal permanent resident can apply for a three-year work authorization.

He also broadened the program he launched in 2012 that provides temporary residency to young undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States before the age of 16.

The order will affect about 44 percent of the 11.3 million people -- mostly from Mexico and Central America -- living in the United States illegally.

"We thank President Obama for his decision and support the decisions he is taking," said Guatemalan President Otto Perez.

El Salvador's foreign minister, Hugo Martinez, voiced "the satisfaction of President Salvador Sanchez Ceren's administration because many of our compatriots will have temporary relief regarding their migratory situation."

Central American migrant rights groups also welcomed the move.

"While they are temporary, these are actions for which we have fought for years. They give a sigh of relief to many Salvadoran compatriots," Cesar Rios, director of the Salvadoran Migrant Institute, told AFP. "They will be able to live more serenely in that country."