Border Security Bill Likely to Exclude Path to Citizenship for Dreamers
Border Security Bill Impacts Dreamers
A bipartisan border security bill is set for a U.S. Senate vote this week, potentially dashing hopes for a clear path to citizenship for hundreds of thousands of undocumented people brought into the U.S. as children. This bill signals Congress taking a tougher stance on immigration, leaving the issue of “Dreamers” off the table.
Republicans Reject Plea for Dreamers
During the recent talks, Republican members rejected the plea to include the Dreamers in the bill, according to Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Senate Democrat. This comes as a blow to Democrats, who have long prioritized the issue of the Dreamers in immigration policy discussions.
Lack of Progress in Helping Dreamers
While the bipartisan bill is seen as an important step towards immigration reform, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy acknowledges that more work needs to be done to provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other undocumented individuals. However, the bill faces opposition in Congress and may not even be considered by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.
Uncertainty for Dreamers
The current situation leaves 544,690 Dreamers protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in limbo, as their status in the United States has to be renewed every two years. There are also an estimated 2 million Dreamers in the U.S., including those not covered by DACA, whose fate remains uncertain.
Challenges and Frustrations
With the lack of progress in helping Dreamers, individuals like Diana Pliego, a DACA recipient, express disappointment and frustration. Pliego, who has been waiting for meaningful immigration reform, recounts a lifetime of deportation fears and childhood poverty due to her family’s illegal immigration status.
Concerns and Sympathy for Dreamers
While some senators express sympathy for the Dreamers, the issue of helping them and other undocumented immigrants has become “toxic” in light of the ongoing global migration crisis. Concerns over increased border chaos and the legality of DACA’s implementation further complicate the situation.
Hope for Future Action
Despite the current challenges, there is still hope for future action on behalf of Dreamers, especially if DACA appears to be at risk. Marielena Hincapie, an immigration scholar, suggests that a legislative window for Dreamer legislation could emerge in the face of a crisis. This offers a glimmer of hope for individuals like Edwin Torres DeSantiago, a DACA recipient, who worries about potential changes to DACA and its impact on his future.
