BY VEENA RAO
A group of young legal immigrants known as “Documented Dreamers” has launched a petition urging President Biden to take immediate action to alleviate their plight as they wait for years, often decades, to receive green cards. The petition, initiated by the organization Documented Dreamers, highlights the unique struggles faced by the children of legal immigrants who are caught in the country’s green card backlog, particularly those on H4 visas.
“We know Greencard backlog is a complicated issue and many people think nothing much is going to happen with an online petition but we want to try for this EAD instead of doing nothing and waiting for things to happen at its own pace,” a representative of Documented Dreamers told NRI Pulse. “We’re planning to meet Congressman Shri Thanedar this month but we need more signatures and also want to spread the word so that people in other metros can join our efforts.”
The petition emphasizes that the U.S. immigration debate often centers on undocumented immigrants and their children (commonly referred to as DACA recipients or “Dreamers”), leaving the challenges of legal immigrants in the shadows. Documented Dreamers, the children of H1B visa holders, are legally in the country but face uncertain futures due to long wait times for permanent residency.
The “Aging Out” Problem
One of the critical issues raised by the petition is the “aging out” rule, which strips these children of their legal status when they turn 21. Without a Social Security Number (SSN), they are unable to work, apply for student loans, or access other benefits that their peers with U.S. citizenship enjoy. Once they “age out” of their H4 visa status, they risk deportation unless they can transition to another visa category, such as a student visa (F1) or a work visa (H1B).
“We entered the U.S. legally, have followed the rules, and our parents contribute to the economy through well-paying jobs,” the petition states. “Yet, we are stuck in a system that doesn’t allow us to fully integrate or plan for our futures.”
The group points out that around 250,000 children of legal immigrants are in this predicament, many of whom have waited over a decade for their families to receive green cards.
Petition’s Requests
Documented Dreamers are calling for a temporary fix through an executive order that would grant them Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), similar to those issued to the spouses of H1B visa holders. An EAD would allow them to obtain an SSN, enabling them to work, apply for student loans, and participate more fully in American society.
The petition also calls for a temporary pause on the “aging out” rule until a comprehensive immigration reform bill is passed. Congress has tried multiple times to address the issue with bills like the “America’s Children Act” (2021), but none have gained enough bipartisan support to pass into law.
Green Card Backlog
The green card backlog disproportionately affects Indian nationals, who make up a significant portion of H1B visa holders. There are currently 1.1 million Indian nationals waiting for green cards, and many will not receive them in their lifetime due to annual country caps and other limitations in the immigration system. The long wait times often mean that children age out of their dependent status before their families’ green card applications are processed.
The petition points out that the inability to work or apply for financial aid has long-lasting consequences for these young adults, some of whom are forced to give up college admissions or leave the country entirely. “We’re forced to decline admissions from reputable colleges and choose community colleges or other institutions where tuition fees are affordable, without any loans or scholarships,” it states.
Congressional Support Sought
Documented Dreamers are also calling on Indian American lawmakers, including Dr. Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, and Raja Krishnamoorthi, to advocate for their cause in Congress. The group stresses that this is not only a humanitarian issue but one with significant economic implications as well. Many of these young adults are pursuing STEM degrees, and losing them to other countries represents a substantial loss to the American economy.
The petition concludes by urging the broader Indian American community to spread awareness about the issue and rally support by sharing the petition and contacting lawmakers.
“We understand that resolving the green card backlog is complicated and requires bipartisan support,” the petition reads. “But issuing an executive order to help us is a no-brainer. It’s a win-win for the government and for us.”
Sign the petition:
Petition · Request EADs for “Documented Dreamers” and also prevent them from “aging out” at 21 – United States · Change.org
Cover photo courtesy: Improvethedream.org
