Why We Need to Protect Documented Dreamers

(Yes, ‘Documented’ Dreamers)

Immigration is always top-of-mind here in New York City. First, because 40% of us were born abroad (increasing to 60% if you include first generation Americans here). Also, because the crisis at the Southern border has extended to our city with more than 5,500 children, alone, joining New York City public schools as their parents flee conflict and tyranny in Central and South America.

Many of our friends fighting for educational excellence and improving serious quality-of-life issues do so because they have experienced global extremes of inequality; a lack of education and opportunity; and rampant violence and crime that is many times worse than any of us will ever see in the United States. 

And if you only paid attention to the glib comments of politicians, such as Chuck Schumer, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this is simply a case of welcoming immigrants with open arms. In a news conference he said:  “We have a population that’s not reproducing on its own with the same level that it used to. The only way we’re going to have a great future in America is if we welcome and embrace immigrants.”

Shamefully Broken Immigration System: Greencard Backlog

Not only are the comments by Schumer and others incredibly off-hand they also belie the truth about the failings of all types of immigration to the US. To properly cover our immigration system woes would take more than one post, so let’s focus on the most urgent issues: families unable to get permanent visas with children at risk of being deported and NYC imminently losing tech expertise. There are numerous reasons that legal immigrants come to the US. They contribute to many fields requiring expertise from technology and medicine to academia. And then to stay longer term (which politicians are endorsing, right?) requires the next step of applying for a greencard.

But, what you might not know is that the US caps employment-based greencards at a certain amount every year — and then distributes by country of birth. This allotment is usually 7% of available greencards in a single year. Now, when you look at the distribution of immigrants just in New York City alone, you can see how immigrants from countries such as China and India can wait years; even decades (yes, decades) for permanent status. 

From the Cato Institute: “In 2021, Indian employer’s sponsored applicants face an 8 decade wait for greencards, and nearly 200,000 will die before they could even theoretically reach the front of the line.”

While there is a bill pending right now to remove greencard caps by country, the EAGLE Act of 2022 as its called, has elements to it that some suggest pits countries against one another and there is some question about competition.

Economic Contribution in NYC at Risk

Despite any debate on routes to permanent status, immigrants are vital to the NYC economy and the instability of status puts our economy at risk. In 2018, the Comptroller reported that immigrants earned $100 billion a year — nearly one-third of all earned income in New York City. But the numbers are falling as the system shows its cracks.

And regardless of your feelings about immigrants filling tech jobs (that, frankly, American kids are increasingly ill-prepared for) those here in the tech industry facing layoffs must get a job in 60 days or leave. The implications are significant for future innovation.

Form today’s Washington Post: “H-1B workers also create opportunities for US citizens, by enabling companies to invest in domestic operations instead of sending jobs overseas. Yet rather than expanding the pipeline for skilled foreign workers, the US’s onerous policies are increasingly pushing them away, with pro-immigration countries like Canada and Australia becoming more attractive destinations for global talent.”

Forgotten Children of Immigration Need Help

Urgent Need to Pass America's Children Act (HR. 4331 and S. 2753)

More symbolic of a broken system are the children of parents who are waiting to become permanent. Often called ’Documented Dreamers, these are children who came to the US when very young and while their parents wait for greencards they end up deported when they turn 21.

These kids are the symbols of a system that grandstands and pays lip service to immigration and children but disregards the reality of the system.

An example: British born Summer Rusher came to the US when she was one. Her parents came on an investor visa, which allows some foreign citizens to reside in the country indefinitely if they invest in an American business.  But because the program does not offer a path to citizenship, Summer can’t become a permanent resident and unless she finds a work sponsor (tough for entry level workers) she will be sent to a country she doesn’t know.

It would seem that politicians celebrating immigration would race to address this loophole? Especially as there are an estimated 250,000 young adults facing imminent removal from the only country they have known.

Improve the Dream is an organization advocating for these kids and the legislative changes that will keep them here (currently pending and a last chance for many). To better understand the issue, read more here and to help, click button to contact your representative. visit this link for more information.