USA
Thousands of Desi American Children Face Deportation Risk Due to “Aging Out” Crisis. Over 250,000 children of legal immigrants, many of whom are Desi Americans from countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan, face the looming threat of deportation. Known as “Documented Dreamers,” these young individuals risk being forced out of the United States as they “age out” upon turning 21 and lose their dependent status.
The Heart of the Crisis
These children arrived in the U.S. with their parents on temporary work visas and have spent most of their lives here. Despite their deep-rooted ties to the country, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) defines a “child” as someone who is both unmarried and under 21 years old. Consequently, as these young adults reach the age of 21, they lose eligibility for certain immigration benefits and are at risk of deportation. The situation arises from the long green-card backlogs in categories such as EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3. According to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), over 1.2 million Indians, including dependents, are waiting for green cards.
Political Stalemate
The White House has attributed the legislative deadlock to Republican opposition, stating that a bipartisan agreement aimed at aiding these “Documented Dreamers” was voted down twice. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
On June 13, a coalition of 43 lawmakers, led by Senator Alex Padilla, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, and Border Safety, and Representative Deborah Ross, urged the Biden Administration to take immediate steps to protect these individuals. They highlighted that these young people grow up in the U.S., attend American schools, and graduate from American institutions, only to face the prospect of deportation due to bureaucratic delays.
Stories of Struggle and Advocacy
The organization Improve The Dream, which represents the interests of “Documented Dreamers,” has been actively advocating for a solution. They have met with over 100 congressional offices and senior administration officials to push for legislative change.
Many “Documented Dreamers” share similar stories of uncertainty and fear about their future. Having spent the majority of their lives in the United States, they face an abrupt transition to countries they barely know. The emotional and psychological toll on these individuals is immense, as they grapple with the possibility of losing their homes, friends, and the only life they’ve ever known.
The Road Ahead
The plight of “Documented Dreamers” has sparked a nationwide conversation about the need for immigration reform. Advocacy groups, lawmakers, and affected families continue to push for legislative solutions that would allow these young individuals to remain in the United States.
As the debate continues, the lives of over 250,000 young people hang in the balance. Their future depends on swift action from lawmakers to address the aging-out issue and provide a path to permanent residency for those who have known no other home than the United States. Transitioning from a child to an adult should be a time of excitement and opportunity, not one of fear and uncertainty. The call for change is urgent, and the time to act is now.
