Brought to US as Children

Definition

Brought to US as Children refers to the circumstances surrounding minors who immigrate to the United States, often without legal status, typically as part of family units or through various migration pathways. This term connects to broader issues of migration and immigration policy, affecting the lives of these individuals who grow up in the U.S., often facing challenges related to their legal status and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Many individuals brought to the U.S. as children often grow up feeling American, despite their lack of legal status, creating a complex sense of identity.
2. The DACA program, established in 2012, provides temporary protection from deportation for eligible individuals brought to the U.S. as children.
3. Immigrants brought as children contribute significantly to the U.S. economy and society, participating in the workforce and communities despite facing legal barriers.
4. Public opinion on policies regarding immigrants brought as children has evolved over time, with many Americans supporting pathways to citizenship for these individuals.
5. Legal battles surrounding DACA and similar policies have highlighted the ongoing challenges and uncertainties faced by those brought to the U.S. as children.

Review Questions

• How do policies like DACA impact individuals brought to the U.S. as children, and what are some challenges they face?
  • Policies like DACA provide temporary protection from deportation for individuals brought to the U.S. as children, allowing them to work legally and access education. However, these individuals still face challenges such as uncertainty regarding their legal status, limited access to certain benefits, and fear of deportation if policies change. The inability to secure permanent residency means they live in a state of limbo, impacting their ability to plan for the future.
• Discuss the implications of being an undocumented immigrant brought to the U.S. as a child on personal identity and community involvement.
  • Being an undocumented immigrant brought to the U.S. as a child can create a strong sense of dissonance in personal identity, where these individuals often feel American yet lack formal recognition. Many engage deeply with their communities, contributing culturally and economically, but they may also experience isolation due to their legal status. This duality complicates their involvement in civic life and can lead to feelings of alienation even within their own neighborhoods.
• Evaluate how changing public perceptions towards undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children influence immigration policy debates in America.
  • Changing public perceptions have played a significant role in shaping immigration policy debates concerning undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. As more Americans recognize the contributions these individuals make to society and express empathy towards their circumstances, there has been increasing support for policies that provide pathways to citizenship or legal protections. This shift in public sentiment is influencing lawmakers' approaches and is crucial in determining future immigration reforms aimed at addressing the complexities surrounding this population.

Related terms

DREAM Act: A legislative proposal aimed at granting residency status to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children, allowing them to pursue education and work opportunities.

Undocumented Immigrants:

Individuals residing in the U.S. without legal permission, many of whom are brought as children and face unique challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and employment.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA):

An immigration policy that allows certain undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation.