Congressman Krishnamoorthi and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Protect Documented Dreamers

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) joined with Reps. Deborah Ross (D-NC), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Maria Salazar (R-FL), Ami Bera (D-CA), and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced their bipartisan America's CHILDREN Act, legislation that will protect children of long-term visa holders, known as Documented Dreamers, from having to self-deport upon turning 21 years old. Under the current system, Documented Dreamers age-out upon turning 21 and must self-deport to their country of birth, even if they have grown up in the United States. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

Over 250,000 children and young adults are living in the United States as dependents of long-term nonimmigrant visa holders (including H-1B, L-1, E-1, and E-2 workers). These individuals grow up in the United States, attend American schools, and graduate from American universities. Because they have maintained legal status, Documented Dreamers are not eligible for protection under DACA or the work authorization that comes with it.

"For many Documented Dreamers, the United States is the only country they've ever known," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. "They've grown up here, went to school here, and are ready to start their careers here. By forcing these young people to self-deport at age 21, we're not only robbing our country of their talents, we're also denying the next generation their chance at the American Dream they deserve. It's time to fix our broken immigration system, and that starts with protecting our neighbors who grew up here."

"Documented Dreamers are members of our communities - they study at our schools, learn alongside our children, and attend our houses of worship in North Carolina and nationwide," Congresswoman Ross said. "Despite these deep ties, many of them are at risk of deportation from the country they love and call home. It's time to finally fix our broken immigration system and give these inspiring young people a chance to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities. I'm proud to join my colleagues in both chambers to introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure Documented Dreamers can remain in this country and use their talents and skills to make America stronger."

"These Documented Dreamers are Americans in every way except one: their parent's green card is tied up in red tape," Senator Padilla said. "This long overdue change is about more than just immigration reform - it's about righting a wrong that's a byproduct of our outdated immigration system. Our bipartisan bill would prevent these hardworking young members of our communities and economy from 'aging out' of their parents' visa status when they turn 21, and create additional green card opportunities for Documented Dreamers. I appreciate the partnership of my colleagues across the aisle and urge others to stand up and do the right thing for these young Americans."

"These children who have legally called the United States home for many years and even decades, are contributing members in our communities and to our economy. They shouldn't be penalized by the government's failures in addressing green card backlogs," Senator Paul said. "The America's Children Actprovides targeted relief for these children of merit-based immigrants who are at risk of 'aging out' of their lawful immigration status, and I'm pleased to join Sen. Padilla in introducing this bill."

"Sacramento County is the proud home of Documented Dreamers who contribute to our community as neighbors, friends, educators, scientists, and doctors," Congressman Bera said. "Yet more than 250,000 children of nonimmigrant visa holders-who grew up here, followed the rules, and know no other home-face the threat of self-deportation because of our broken immigration system. These young people are part of the fabric of our country, and it is our moral responsibility to provide them a clear pathway to permanent residency. I'm proud to join Representative Ross and Senator Padilla in introducing the America's CHILDREN Act to safeguard their futures and give them the peace of mind they deserve."

"Far too many young people who have grown up in the United States legally, studying in our schools, and contributing to our economy, are at risk of 'aging out' of legal status through no fault of their own", Congresswoman Salazar said. "I am proud to co-lead the America's Children Act, which protects the children of long-term visa holders and ensures their skills and talents stay here to build America's future."

"Documented Dreamers are young people with legal status that grew up in the United States, studied here, and have contributed to our communities. However, at 21 years old they face the prospect of being forced to leave the only home they know. We must ensure an outdated immigration system does not punish these young people from pursuing their own American Dream," Congressman Ciscomani said. "The bipartisan America's Children Act provides stability for families, strengthens our workforce, and reaffirms our nation's commitment to fairness and opportunity. I'm proud to join colleagues from both parties in supporting these young men and women as they pursue a future in our country where they grew up."

"We are deeply grateful to the bipartisan leaders reintroducing America's Children Act. Fixing this loophole puts in place a policy most Americans assume already exists and ensures that America reaps the benefits of the contributions from the children it raised and educated. Allowing children of long-term visa holders to stay will empower people to tap into their talents and ambitions, helping us and our country reach our fullest potential. We urge Congress to act swiftly and pass the America's Children Act," Dip Patel, Founder of Improve The Dream, said.

The America's CHILDREN Act would:

• Allow individuals to obtain permanent residency if they were brought to the United States as dependent children of workers admitted under employment visas, have maintained status in the United States for 10 years (including eight years as dependents), and have graduated from an institution of higher education;
• Protect any child who has been in the United States for an aggregate of eight years before the age of 21 as a dependent of an employment-based nonimmigrant by allowing them to remain a dependent on their parent's nonimmigrant visa until they can find another status;
• Establish age-out protections that lock in a child's age on the date on which their parents file for a green card;
• Provide work authorization for individuals qualifying for age-out protection.
  A full copy of the bill is available here.

The bill is endorsed by organizations including Improve the Dream, Americans For Prosperity, Niskanen Center, The Libre Initiative, National Immigration Forum, and Council on National Security and Immigration.

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