DHS Should Un ‐​ban Legal Dreamers from DACA

David J. BierMany immigrants come first to the United States as children of foreign workers in various temporary statuses, such as the H-4 for children of H-1B workers. They can remain in the United States in legal status until they turn 21 when they lose eligibility as a dependent “child” of the foreign worker. Many children will spend almost their whole young lives here in a temporary status, but never receive legal permanent residence —only the worst 21st birthday present imaginable. At least 100,000 kidswill meet this fate and probably more than twice as many already have.On June 15, 2012, nine years ago today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to provide lawful presence and work permits to immigrants who grew up in the United States (Dreamers). In addition to dreamers who had crossed the border illegally or already overstayed their visas, DACA memorandum seemed like this would help “legal” Dreamers who have no other way to stay in the country or work legally. The initial DHS memo that created the policy listed the following conditions that an applicant must meet:came to the United States under the age of sixteen;has continuously resided in the United States for a least five years preceding the date of this memorandum and is present in the United States on the date of this memorandum;currently in school, has graduated from high school, has obtained a general education...
Source: Cato-at-liberty - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs