Washington, D.C. – TOMORROW Representatives Deborah Ross (NC-02) and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) will hold a virtual press conference on the introduction of the America’s CHILDREN Act, bipartisan legislation to protect Documented Dreamers, who are dependents of-long-term nonimmigrant visa holders, from aging out of the system when they turn 21, forcing them to self-deport. The Representatives will be joined by Dip Patel from Improve the Dream, Maria Theresa Louis, a rising freshman at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte currently on an H4 visa, and Pareen Mhatre, a senior at the University of Iowa who is currently on an F1 visa. Following remarks from the Representatives and Documented Dreamers, press are welcome to ask questions.

Over 200,000 children and young adults are living in the United States as dependents of long-term nonimmigrant visa holders (including H-1B, L-1, E-1, and E-2 workers). These individuals grow up in the United States, attend American schools, and graduate from American universities. Because they have maintained legal status, Documented Dreamers are not eligible for protection under DACA or the work authorization that comes with it.

WHO:

U.S. Congresswoman Deborah Ross (NC-02)

U.S. Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02)

Dip Patel, Founder of Improve the Dream

Maria Theresa Louis, Documented Dreamer

Pareen Mhatre, Documented Dreamer

WHEN:

Thursday, July 1st

9:30 – 10:15 AM ET

RSVP: Members of the press interested in covering the event can RSVP to Maddie.Carlos@mail.house.gov

Background

The 2021 version of the House’s H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, extends retroactive protections to Documented Dreamers; however, the Senate’s DREAM Act does not include this population. The America’s Cultivation of Hope and Inclusion for Long-Term Dependents Raised and Educated Natively (America’s CHILDREN) Act aims to close these gaps by providing a permanent solution for Documented Dreamers. Specifically, the bill:

  • Provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals who were brought to the United States as dependent children of workers admitted under approved employer petitions, have maintained status in the United States for 10 years (including four years as a dependent), and have graduated from an institution of higher education;
  • Establishes age-out protections that lock in a child’s age on the date on which they file for a green card rather than the final action date; and
  • Provides work authorization for Documented Dreamers over the age of 16 whose green card applications are pending.

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