Immigration Struggles Affect Documented and Undocumented Dreamers

 Posted on June 29, 2022 in Immigration

For over 20 years, Congress has attempted to pass different forms of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would provide benefits for immigrants who came to the United States as children. Many of these children were brought to the U.S. at an early age, grew up in the country, consider themselves to be Americans, and wish to continue playing an important role in society. Unfortunately, because of their uncertain immigration status, many of these “Dreamers” struggle to do so. While the DREAM Act has yet to be passed, some programs have provided Dreamers with options, and lawmakers continue to push reforms to immigration laws that will address these issues.

Relief for Undocumented Immigrants Through the DACA Program

Many children who do not have the legal documentation allowing them to live and work in the United States have struggled to address immigration issues. Some immigrants have received relief through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was created when President Barack Obama issued an executive order in 2012. This program provided relief for people who came to the U.S. as children and met other requirements, ensuring that they would not face deportation and providing them with authorization to work.

DACA was meant to be a temporary solution to benefit certain immigrants until more permanent laws could be put in place. Unfortunately, this has not happened, and the DACA program recently reached its 10-year anniversary. The program has faced legal challenges, and in 2021, a federal judge ruled that it was unconstitutional. While immigration officials currently cannot accept new DACA applications, those who had previously received DACA protections may apply for extensions to ensure that they will be able to continue living in the U.S.

Problems Facing Children of Documented Immigrants With Temporary Visas

Another class of immigrants is also facing issues that may cause them to experience a great deal of difficulty. These “documented Dreamers” came to the U.S. at a young age when their parents received temporary work visas, such as H-1B visas. While parents with temporary visas may apply for Green Cards that will allow them to live in the United States permanently, the backlog of applications often requires them to wait multiple decades before they can become lawful permanent residents. This can leave their children in a state of limbo since once a child reaches adulthood, their authorization to live in the U.S. under their parent’s visa expires. For children who came to the United States legally at a young age, spent most of their lives in the country, and plan to attend college and pursue a career in the U.S., the loss of legal status may force them to return to an unfamiliar country and begin the immigration process all over again.

Contact Our Orlando Dreamer Immigration Lawyer

If you came to the U.S. as a child and are concerned about your immigration status or the possibility that you will be required to leave the country, Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC can help you understand your legal options. We will advise you on the steps you can take to remain in the country or return as soon as possible, and we will work with you to complete all necessary steps to obtain a visa, apply for a Green Card, or defend against deportation. To learn about our legal services and get help with your case, contact our Orange County immigration attorney at 407-955-5000 and arrange a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.voanews.com/a/daca-us-immigration-policy-marks-10-years-with-future-unclear/6616562.html

https://www.newyorker.com/news/dispatch/an-uncertain-future-for-documented-dreamers