As legislative debates continue in Washington, D.C., around 250,000 children of legal immigrants, including a significant number of Indian-Americans, are facing the looming threat of deportation as they approach the age of 21. This group, often referred to as “Documented Dreamers,” could be forced to leave the United States due to a lack of permanent residency options after aging out of their dependent status.
The crisis has intensified with recent comments from the White House, which has placed the blame for the current impasse on Republican lawmakers. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted that bipartisan efforts to address the issue were thwarted by Republican opposition. “I talked about the bipartisan agreement that came together from the Senate where we negotiated a process to help the so-called documented Dreamers. And sadly, Republicans, and I’ve said this many times already at this podium today, which is that they voted it down twice,” Jean-Pierre told reporters.
Last month, a bipartisan coalition led by Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Deborah Ross urged the Biden Administration to take immediate action to protect these young individuals. In a letter, the lawmakers expressed concern over the prolonged green-card backlog, which leaves many families stuck waiting for years for permanent residency. “These young people grow up in the United States, complete their education in the American school system, and graduate with degrees from American institutions,” the letter stated.
Organizations like Improve The Dream, which represents these children, have been actively campaigning for policy changes. Dip Patel, the founder of Improve The Dream, criticized the slow progress and lack of immediate action from the administration. “It is disappointing to see the lack of action and associated proposed regulations deprioritized and delayed. It is time for action,” Patel said.
Personal stories from those affected underscore the gravity of the situation. Jefrina, a graduate student at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, has been navigating a series of temporary visa solutions to avoid deportation since she turned 21. She arrived in the U.S. from India in 2005 and has since considered Minnesota her home. “I am about to turn 27 this August. Soon, if my time visa-hopping was personified, they would be older than I was when I first came to the United States,” she shared.
Similarly, Praneetha, a Cloud Engineer in Texas, has spent over 15 years in the U.S. and is facing uncertainty due to her visa status. Roshan, who was forced to leave the U.S. last month after growing up there for nearly 16 years, is another example of how this issue affects individuals who have built their lives in America.
Patel emphasized the broader implications of the issue, noting that the U.S. is losing valuable talent and experienced professionals due to these visa constraints. “Our country is not only losing young talent who were raised and educated here, but we’re also losing many of their parents, who have years of practical experience in fields like medicine, engineering, and artificial intelligence,” he said.
The situation highlights a critical need for legislative action. Until Congress can pass the bipartisan America’s Children Act, Patel and other advocates are calling for the administration to prioritize the issue, which has broad support from both Congress and the public. “The economic case is clear and the moral case is clear. It is common sense,” Patel concluded.
Sources By Agencies
