Should Unauthorized Immigrants Brought Here Illegally as Children Have a Path to Permanent Resident Status? (H.R. 1468)
Do you support or oppose this bill?
What is H.R. 1468?
(Updated December 12, 2019)
This bill — known as the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act — would protect young unauthorized immigrants (including the so-called “Dreamers) from deportation and provide them with a five year “conditional permanent resident status” if they meet eligibility standards and either enlist in the military, are gainfully employed, or pursue higher education. It would also provide them with a path to become a lawful permanent resident (green-card holder) if they continue to satisfy those criteria.
To qualify, applicants would have to establish that they: 1) came to the U.S. before age 16 and have lived in the country since at least January 1, 2012; 2) pass a government background check and demonstrate “good moral character” with no felony or multiple misdemeanor convictions; 3) earn a high school diploma or an equivalent; and 4) either demonstrate an intent to join the U.S. military, be admitted to an institution of higher education, or have a valid work authorization. Applicants would also have to register with the Selective Service System, undergo a medical exam, submit biometric and biographic data, and complete security and law enforcement background checks.
The conditional permanent resident status could be extended for a second five year period if the applicant has done one of the following:
Enlisted in the military or an active-duty reserve component for at least three of the preceding five years;
Graduated from an institution of higher education;
Been employed for at least 48 months during the preceding five-year period.
Once conditional permanent resident status is extended, recipients could apply to become a lawful permanent resident (green-card holder) if they continue to meet the requirements established by this bill. If a recipient fails to meet those conditions their conditional status would be revoked. Recipients enlisted in the military could apply for naturalization (citizenship) immediately after obtaining lawful permanent resident status.
Argument in favor
Young unauthorized immigrants who were brought to America illegally as children through no fault of their own deserve the chance to permanently remain in the country they grew up in and contribute to its greatness. This ensures they won’t face deportation to a country they barely know.
Argument opposed
While well-intended, this bill does nothing to stem the flow of illegal immigration, and as a result the federal government will have to address the problem of children being brought here illegally again at a later date. Anyone who came to the U.S. illegally should have to go through the lawful immigration process, no exceptions.
Impact
People who would be eligible for conditional permanent resident status; and DHS.
Cost of H.R. 1468
A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.
Additional Info
In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) introduced this bill to provide a path to legal status for unauthorized immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children:
“Over the years many immigrant children have arrived in our country — brought by their parents who either illegally crossed one of our borders or overstayed their visas. For most of these young people, the United States is the only country they have ever called home. 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 the economy by working.”
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) dismissed this bill and expressed her preference for the Dream Act, saying “with all due respect I don’t think something is picking up steam when they have 28 people and we have 193” in reference to the number of cosponsors the House version of the Dream Act has.
This legislation has since picked up additional cosponsors, bringing the total to 35 in the House which includes 34 Republicans and one Democrat.
Media:
- Sponsoring Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) Press Release
- Miami Herald
- FWD.us (In Favor)
- National Immigration Forum (In Favor)
Summary by Eric Revell
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