The “aging out” problem puts over 250,000 legal immigrant children, also referred to as “Documented Dreamers,” at risk of being deported from the United States.
Many of these Indian-American children entered the country with their parents on temporary work visas, but when they turn 21, they no longer have dependent status.
250,000 Legal Immigrant Children At Risk of Being Deported from USA
According to an analysis of USCIS statistics as of November 2, the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) found that over 1.2 million Indians—including dependents—are currently waiting for green cards under the EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 categories.
A child is defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) as an unmarried individual under the age of 21.
“Aging out” refers to the process by which an individual who applied for lawful permanent resident (LPR) status as a minor but turned 21 before it was approved is no longer regarded as a minor for immigration purposes.
When someone ages out, they may no longer be eligible, have to submit a new application, or have to wait longer for a green card.
Republicans have been held accountable by the White House for the legislative deadlock, pointing out that they voted down a bipartisan accord twice.
The Senate-negotiated mechanism to assist Documented Dreamers was highlighted by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, despite it being voted down twice by Republicans.
43 Senators Plead With Biden Administration
On June 13, forty-three senators, including Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Deborah Ross, pleaded with the Biden administration to act quickly to safeguard these people.
Lawmakers brought up the fact that these young people are born and raised in the United States, attend American schools, and graduate from American universities, but they must wait a long time to get a green card.
Families whose immigration petitions are granted frequently have to wait decades to become permanent residents.
The children’s nonprofit, Improve The Dream, has visited with senior administration officials and representatives from more than 100 congressional offices in an effort to push for a resolution.
The creator of Improve The Dream, Dip Patel, voiced dissatisfaction with the inaction and hold-ups in the proposed regulations.
There have been several requests for legislative measures to safeguard Documented Dreamers from deportation due to their precarious condition.
The problem has brought attention to the difficulties legal immigrants’ children experience as a result of the lengthy backlog of green cards.
Lawmakers and the White House are under pressure to address the issue of aging out and offer a long-term solution for Documented Dreamers.
Thousands of young people who were raised in the US and who view it as their home are nonetheless impacted by the current congressional standoff.
Organizations like as Improve The Dream engage in advocacy to reform the law and keep these young immigrants from being deported.
