Republican Senators have unveiled a more conservative approach to solving what to do with the hundreds of thousands of young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children by their parents.
Three Senators announced the SUCEED Act (Solution for Undocumented Children through Careers Employment Education and Defending our nation), a merti-based solution the senators called “fair and compassionate”.
The SUCEED Act would allow young undocumented immigrants, known as DREAMers, to get a conditional green card that would remain valid if they are working, pursuing a higher education, or serving in the U.S. military.
In order to be eligible an applicants would have to entered the United States before they turned 16 years old, holding a high school diploma or equivalent, undergo a thorough background check and submit biometrics to the Department of Homeland Security. Immigrants would also have to pay off any existing tax liabilities.
After five years of having the conditional green card, DREAMers would be eligible to renew the card if they continue to meet the requirements. After five more years with conditional status, a DREAMer could them apply to be a Legal Permanent Resident and obtain a green card. Once the green card is obtained the DREAMer could apply for citizenship after five more years. Meaning it would take these applicants 15 years to become citizens.
Unlike standard green card holders, DREAMers would not be allowed to petition family members to become legal permanent residents with them.
This more conservative bill is just one of many bills related to DREAMers and keeping them from being deported. A recent Washington Post survey shows strong support for the young undocumented immigrants.
Congressional leaders are rushing to find a solution for DREAMers after President Donald Trump ended the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program that was started by former President Barack Obama in June of 2012. DACA gave DREAMers an opportunity to legally work in the United States while being protected from deportation.