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
If you are someone in this situation, please complete this survey.