The Documented Dreamers are reaching out to Indian American lawmakers for support and encouraging the community to raise awareness of their cause. They hope that through collective advocacy, their situation will be addressed and resolved
Over 250,000 children of legal immigrants, including many Indian Americans, face the risk of deportation upon turning 21. Known as Documented Dreamers, these individuals entered the United States with their parents on temporary work visas. However, once they reach 21, they lose their dependent status and face the possibility of deportation if they have not yet received their green cards.
With over 1.2 million Indians and their families waiting for green cards, the backlog is a significant issue. Under current immigration law, a child is defined as someone unmarried and under 21. Once they reach this age without securing a green card, they lose their eligibility for certain benefits and face potential delays in their application process. Documented Dreamers, who are currently on H4 visas linked to their parents’ H1B work visas, are severely affected by this “aging out” rule.
The petition highlights the economic loss posed by deporting thousands of young individuals, many of whom are pursuing STEM degrees and contribute meaningfully to the American workforce
The “aging out” process means that, upon turning 21, these individuals lose their legal status, making it difficult for them to continue their education or secure employment without a Social Security Number (SSN). Many struggle to transition to alternative visa types, such as student or work visas, leaving them vulnerable to deportation.
In response to their precarious situation, Documented Dreamers have launched a petition urging President Biden to intervene. They are calling for an executive order that would grant them Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), allowing them to work legally and access essential benefits. Additionally, the petition seeks a temporary pause on the “aging out” rule, offering these young adults more time to secure their immigration status.
Indian nationals, who make up a significant portion of H1B visa holders, are particularly impacted by the extensive green card backlog. With the annual limits and restrictive policies, many may never receive green cards.
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