A measure is being developed in Washington to help youth undocumented immigrants brought to America, stay in America.
South Florida Representatives Carlos Curbelo has authored and filed the Recognizing America's Children Act, which gives "Dreamers" three possible paths toward permanent status.
They would have to serve in the armed forces, be enrolled in higher education, or have work authorization. They would be vetted by homeland security before getting into the program, and after five years of conditional status, they would be able to apply for permanent status.
"For most of these young people, the United States is the only country they have ever called home," said Curbelo. "They attended school with our own children, graduated high school and today they are seeking to serve in our military, pursue a college degree or certificate and contribute to our economy by working."
There are other requirements that would have to be met and those granted status would have to apply for citizenship before being granted voting rights and other benefits. Anyone with a criminal record would be ineligible to participate and this law does not cover parents who came across illegally and then gave birth to citizen children.
A couple of Curbelo's colleagues from the South Florida delegation are co-sponsoring the bill, Mario Diaz-Balart (FL-25) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (FL-27).
"This bill recognizes those who were brought here at a young age by their parents and are living in the shadows,” Diaz-Balart said. “I am proud to support legislation that will allow hardworking and selfless individuals who want to pursue higher education, serve in our military, and become part of America’s work force to do just that.”
Other original co-sponsors of the RAC Act are Representatives Mike Coffman (CO-6), Jeff Denham (CA-19), Mark Amodei (NV-2), Jenniffer González Colón (PR), Fred Upton (MI-6), David Reichert (WA-8) and David G. Valadao (CA-21).
You can read the full text of the bill here.
(Photo credit: Office of Congressman Curbelo)