The Senate and House have introduced America's CHILDREN Act to permanently protect the children of long-term visa holders from “aging out” of the system and protect them from self-deportation when they reach age 21.

About Us

Over 250,000 children and young adults are living in the United States as dependents of employment-based visa holders. These individuals, known as Documented Dreamers, have grown up legally in the United States, attended American schools, and attend American universities.

These children can remain in dependent status on a parent's employment-based nonimmigrant visa until they turn 21. Many are also listed as dependents on a parent's green card application. Sadly, due to decades-long backlogs and problems with the Child Status Protection Act, many of these young adults turn 21 before a visa number for a green card finally becomes available. As a result, they lose their status and their opportunity to obtain a green card.

While most young adults celebrate turning 21, dependents of long-term employment-based visa-holders bear a heavy burden. They must obtain another status or leave behind their families—and the only country they have ever known—to return to their country of birth.

When long-term dependents are forced to leave, it is also a loss to America's communities and employers. Despite being educated in our universities, these young adults, who are overwhelmingly graduates in STEM fields, must take their skills and talent to our global competitors. The gaps in our immigration laws that force these young adults to leave the United States also prevent American companies from attracting and retaining critical talent in the United States. Many immigrants have left the United States for countries with less burdensome immigration policies, often citing their children aging out as a factor in their departure. We cannot maintain our competitive edge on the world stage unless we commit to doing better by such individuals and their families.

America's CHILDREN Act would permanently solve the aging-out issue that affects American raised and educated children.

To learn more, visit ImproveTheDream.org or look at the America's Children Act One Pager
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Get to Know the Bill

America's CHILDREN Act aims to permanently end aging-out for Documented Dreamers.

bill summary
  • Allows individuals to obtain permanent residency who were brought to the United States as child dependents of long-term visa holders, have maintained status in the United States for 10 years (including 8 years as dependents), 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.

  • Provides work authorization for children of long-term visa holders whose green card applications are pending, if they are at least 16 years old.

  • Allows children who have aged out to retain original priority date for subsequent petitions.

Headshot of Hwanhee (Hilary) Yoon
My family and I feel American, and I grew up just like our American neighbors around us.
Hwanhee (Hilary) Yoon
High School Student

Take Action

1. Call your Representative's Office to encourage them to co-sponsor America's CHILDREN Act.

Enter your zip code to find your representatives. If there are any errors, click here for an alternative tool.
Hello, my name is [full name] and I live in [city, state]. I am calling as a constituent to ask Representative [your representative's name] to co-sponsor HR.3442/S.1667, America's CHILDREN Act of 2023, to provide permanent protections for children of long-term visa holders who grew up in the U.S. while maintaining a documented status. This bill would ensure that children who are raised and educated can contribute to the United States. [Say a few sentences about your personal experience]. If you have more questions about this issue, more information can be found at AmericasChildrenAct.com. Thank you.

2. Send a letter to your Senator in less than one minute from here!