Dreamers in the U.S.

Overview

This overview summarizes the Dreamer community in the U.S., the limitations of DACA, population estimates, major legislative proposals, Dreamers' contributions, and the urgent need for permanent legislative solutions.

Who Are Dreamers?

• Dreamers are undocumented immigrants who arrived in the U.S. as children and have spent most of their lives in the country.
• Many Dreamers are integrated into U.S. society, holding jobs, completing education, and raising families with U.S. citizens.
• Most Dreamers have no path to lawful permanent residence or citizenship.

DACA Program

• DACA protects eligible Dreamers from deportation and provides work authorization but not permanent status or citizenship.
• Eligibility requires arrival before age 16, continuous residence since June 15, 2007, and other criteria.
• As of June 2024, about 535,030 individuals held active DACA status, mostly from Mexico and Central America.
• Legal challenges have suspended new DACA applications since July 2021; only renewals are processed.
• Current court cases could impact DACA’s future, likely necessitating congressional action by spring 2026.

Dreamer Population Estimates

• DACA recipients number about 535,000, but over 1.2 million are estimated to be immediately eligible.
• Total Dreamer population estimates range from 3.4 to 3.6 million undocumented individuals who arrived as minors.
• Many Dreamers are ineligible for DACA due to education, age, or application blocks.

Legislative Proposals Affecting Dreamers

• Dream Act of 2023: Would provide conditional permanent residency for eligible Dreamers, with a path to citizenship after meeting further criteria; could benefit 1.6–3 million individuals.
• American Dream and Promise Act of 2023: Offers deportation protection and a path to legal status for Dreamers and DACA recipients; up to 2.8 million could benefit.
• SUCCEED Act: Proposes a 15-year process to lawful permanent residency; could benefit up to 2 million.
• RAC Act: Grants conditional status for Dreamers meeting education or service requirements; estimated 2.4–3.2 million eligible.
• BRIDGE Act: Offers temporary work authorization and protection for DACA-eligible Dreamers, aiding up to 1.2 million.

Contributions of Dreamers

• Dreamers contribute $45 billion annually to the economy and pay significant taxes.
• Nearly half work in labor-shortage sectors such as construction, healthcare, and food services.
• Many Dreamers started businesses, own homes, and are embedded in American families and communities.

Urgency for Legislative Action

• Court rulings have left DACA and Dreamers’ futures uncertain, creating anxiety and instability.
• Current DACA framework excludes many Dreamers, especially younger and recent arrivals.
• Hundreds of thousands of undocumented children remain ineligible for DACA, highlighting the need for a comprehensive solution.

Conclusion

• Dreamers are deeply integrated into the U.S. but face persistent legal uncertainty.
• DACA is only a temporary fix, leaving many unprotected and offering no path to citizenship.
• A permanent legislative solution is needed to secure Dreamers' status and contributions.