Who Are the DREAMers in Relation to U.S. Immigration Policy?

Approximately 650,000 people in the United States fall under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) classification. They’re called DREAMers because of a 2001 legislative proposal titled the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act. In essence, these are individuals who weren’t born in the U.S. and were brought into the country by their parents under irregular immigration conditions.

Since most DREAMers entered the U.S. as young children, they weren’t made aware of their undocumented immigration status until they became adults. In many cases, they were brought here as babies, a situation that makes this realization difficult to understand because they’ve grown up to identify as Americans. Technically, the status of DREAMers is irregular because the DREAM Act hasn’t been signed into law despite several attempts over the years. During the administration of President Barack Obama, DREAMers received protection from the DACA program, which was implemented as an executive order with an eventual expiration date.

DACA is as comprehensive as it can be. The program provides temporary legal status as well as other benefits, such as the right to work and receive some financial assistance for educational endeavors. President Donald Trump has attempted to rescind DACA, but the Supreme Court ruled this month that the way in which the Trump administration rescinded the DACA program in 2017 was unlawful.

The number of DREAMers in the U.S. has declined from a high of 800,000 around the time DACA was implemented. Some DACA recipients decided to abandon the U.S., while others have run into issues with their immigration status. A few have been able to adjust their status through opportunities identified by immigration attorneys. In San Diego and around the country, the majority of these foreign-born Americans face uncertainty about their futures, particularly because the Trump administration hasn’t shown sympathy to their plight.

Although the Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration, the decision was based on procedural grounds, and Chief Justice Roberts’s opinion may be seen as leaning toward the White House’s position when it comes to substance. However, political analysts don’t believe Trump will continue his efforts to swiftly deport DREAMers during this election year. The lives of quite a few DREAMers have become known to the American public. We’re talking about teachers, nurses, and small business owners whose deportations wouldn’t sit well with voters.

Should Trump fail to remain in the White House, there’s a very good chance the DREAM Act will pass or that DACA will be extended and expanded. If you or someone you love is a DREAMer, the key is to stay updated on this important issue through an experienced immigration lawyer. San Diego immigrants can rely on the expertise and professionalism of the attorneys at KS Visa Law. For a free consultation, reach out to us at 858-874-0711.