Padilla, Paul, Ross, Miller-Meeks Introduce Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill to Protect Documented Dreamers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, and Rand Paul (R-Ky.), along with U.S. Representatives Deborah Ross (D-N.C.-02) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa-01), reintroduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to provide a pathway to citizenship for long-term residents who were brought legally to the United States as children as dependents on their parents' work visas. The America's CHILDREN Act would allow 250,000+ Documented Dreamers living in the United States to stay and contribute to the country and protect them from deportation or other hardships they unfairly face as a direct result of our outdated immigration system.

The U.S. visa system grants certain dependent children of visa holders legal status until they turn 21, but long green card backlogs have led to many such children aging out. These long-term residents are often left with no choice but to leave the United States if they cannot transition to a new status, leaving them in legal limbo and splitting families living here legally for years. This gap leaves young people, many of whom have only known the United States as home for most of their lives, vulnerable. The bill would establish age-out protections so that Documented Dreamers can keep their place in the green card line after their 21st birthday. Without this fix, the U.S. would risk losing talented young individuals - educated here and contributing to the American economy - to global competitors.

"These Documented Dreamers are Americans in every way except one: their parent's green card is tied up in red tape," said Senator Padilla. "This long overdue change is about more than just immigration reform - it's about righting a wrong that's a byproduct of our outdated immigration system. Our bipartisan bill would prevent these hardworking young members of our communities and economy from 'aging out' of their parents' visa status when they turn 21, and create additional green card opportunities for Documented Dreamers. I appreciate the partnership of my colleagues across the aisle and urge others to stand up and do the right thing for these young Americans."

"These children who have legally called the United States home for many years and even decades, are contributing members in our communities and to our economy. They shouldn't be penalized by the government's failures in addressing green card backlogs," said Dr. Paul. "The America's Children Act provides targeted relief for these children of merit-based immigrants who are at risk of 'aging out' of their lawful immigration status, and I'm pleased to join Sen. Padilla in introducing this bill."

"Documented Dreamers are members of our communities - they study at our schools, learn alongside our children, and attend our houses of worship in North Carolina and nationwide," said Representative Ross. "Despite these deep ties, many of them are at risk of deportation from the country they love and call home. It's time to finally fix our broken immigration system and give these inspiring young people a chance to pursue their dreams and give back to their communities. I'm proud to join my colleagues in both chambers to introduce bipartisan legislation to ensure Documented Dreamers can remain in this country and use their talents and skills to make America stronger."

"We are deeply grateful to the bipartisan leaders reintroducing America's Children Act. Fixing this loophole puts in place a policy most Americans assume already exists and ensures that America reaps the benefits of the contributions from the children it raised and educated. Allowing children of long-term visa holders to stay will empower people to tap into their talents and ambitions, helping us and our country reach our fullest potential. We urge Congress to act swiftly and pass the America's Children Act," said Dip Patel, Founder of Improve The Dream.

The Senate version of the bill is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Curtis (R-Utah), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). The House bill is co-led by Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.-08), Maria Salazar (R-Fla.-27), Ami Bera (D-Calif.-06), and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.-06). It is cosponsored by Representatives Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (D-Ga.-04), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.-01), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.-06), Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.-07), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50), John Rutherford (R-Fla.-05), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.-05), Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa-03), Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.-01), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.-13), Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.-04), and Dave Min (D-Calif.-47).

The bill is endorsed by organizations including Improve the Dream, Americans For Prosperity, Niskanen Center, The Libre Initiative, National Immigration Forum, and Council on National Security and Immigration.

Full text of the bill is available here.

Senator Padilla has fought relentlessly to expand a pathway to citizenship for millions of long-term U.S. residents, including Documented Dreamers. In July, Padilla announced legislation to update the existing Registry statute to expand a pathway to lawful permanent residency for millions of immigrants, including children of long-term visa holders.

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