WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King have introduced bipartisan legislation to protect the more than 250,000 Documented Dreamers — children of long-term visa holders — living in the United States. The America’s CHILDREN Act would close existing gaps by preventing documented children raised and educated in the country from being deported as their families remain. The gaps in American immigration laws that force these young adults to leave the United States also prevent American companies from attracting and retaining critical talent.

“Our legislation would protect ‘Documented Dreamers’ who were brought to the United States legally as children and have lived in this country for many years,” said Senator Collins.  “It makes no sense that children of long-term legal immigrants, who have been raised and educated in America, can be forced to self-deport even as their parents and other family members are permitted to remain in this country.  This would be a vast improvement to our legal immigration system and ensure the children of legal immigrants can continue to contribute to their communities and the economy.”

“America’s Documented Dreamers have spent almost their entire lives as part of our communities – going to school, forming relationships, contributing to the economy, and working hard to better the nation we all love,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan America’s CHILDREN Act would create a simple path for Documented Dreamers who are here legally to receive permanent residency and avoid deportation. These talented Americans want to contribute to our rich tapestry of ideas and move the economy forward; we should let them. This legislation is a no-brainer — our neighbors deserve to continue living their American dream.”

Over 250,000 children and young adults are Documented Dreamers living in the United States as dependents of employment-based nonimmigrant visa holders. These individuals have grown up in the United States and have attended American schools and universities.

These children can remain in dependent status on a parent’s employment-based nonimmigrant visa until they turn 21 but are then no longer able to be on their parent’s visa. Due to decades-long backlogs, many of these young adults turn 21 before a visa number for a green card finally becomes available. As a result, they lose their temporary status at 21 and are expelled from the country.

Along with being unfair to these young people and their families, the policy is a significant detriment to the nation’s employers and communities. Despite being educated in our schools and universities, Documented Dreamers often must take their skills and talent to other countries.

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.).

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