A new bill was introduced to protect young immigrants who grew up in the U.S. as dependents on their parents’ temporary visas, and graduated from American universities, but aged out of that dependent status. Commonly called “Dreamers,” the bill proposed by California Democratic Senator Alex Padilla would protect documented Dreamers who grew up legally in the U.S. but risk deportation when they turn 21 years old. The America’s Children Act is bipartisan legislation will provide a pathway to citizenship for Documented Dreamers. On May 17, Padilla renewed his push to grant legal status to documented dreamers at a press conference
“For these young people, turning 21 means facing an impossible choice. Either to leave your family and self-deport to a country that you barely remember, or to stay in the United States living, undocumented, in the shadows.”
Children who were brought to the United States legally are not eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status unless his or her legal status was expired on June 15, 2012.
Senator Richard J. Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, said he has received ‘no pushback’ from Republicans on the bill, but would likely need to move as part of a broader package that addresses Republican concerns about border security:
“Think about how many times we’ve been told we don’t have the workforce we need. These are young people, educated in the United States, who grew up in this country believing it was their home and are really looking forward to a future in this country.”
Are you aging out of immigration status and want to apply for legal status and protection?
An experienced Dreamer lawyer can explain the new policy developments around U.S. immigration laws and how they might affect your and your family’s situation. Knowledge of the legal system is a powerful tool to protect people from deportation. To discuss your situation, call 630-912-0322 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Dreamer attorneys today.
Godoy Law Office serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will and Lake Counties.
