Dreamers

Definition

Dreamers refer to a group of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. They are often associated with the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for eligible individuals. The term 'Dreamers' reflects their aspirations to achieve the American dream despite the challenges they face due to their immigration status.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dreamers are often young adults who were brought to the United States as children by their parents or guardians, and have grown up as part of American society.
2. The DACA program, established in 2012 by the Obama administration, provides temporary relief from deportation and work authorization for eligible Dreamers.
3. Dreamers have become a prominent political issue, with debates surrounding their legal status, access to education, and potential path to citizenship.
4. Many Dreamers are actively engaged in advocacy efforts, seeking to raise awareness about their experiences and push for comprehensive immigration reform.
5. The future of the DACA program has been a subject of ongoing political controversy, with attempts to rescind or expand the program under different presidential administrations.

Review Questions

• Explain the key features of the DACA program and its significance for Dreamers.
  • The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, established in 2012, provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization for eligible undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. DACA allows Dreamers to come out of the shadows, obtain work permits, and pursue educational and career opportunities without the constant fear of deportation. The program has been a critical lifeline for Dreamers, enabling them to contribute to American society and pursue the American dream despite their uncertain immigration status.
• Analyze the political and social debates surrounding the Dreamers and their quest for a path to citizenship.
  • The Dreamers have become a highly politicized issue, with debates over their legal status, access to education, and potential path to citizenship. Proponents of the Dreamers argue that they should not be held responsible for decisions made by their parents, and that they deserve a chance to fully integrate into American society. Opponents, however, view the Dreamers as illegal immigrants who should be deported. These debates have led to ongoing political battles over the future of the DACA program and the broader issue of comprehensive immigration reform. The Dreamers' quest for a path to citizenship has become a symbol of the larger struggle for immigrant rights and the pursuit of the American dream.
• Evaluate the role of Dreamers in advocating for immigration reform and the potential impact of their activism on policy decisions.
  • Dreamers have been at the forefront of the fight for comprehensive immigration reform, using their personal stories and experiences to raise awareness and advocate for change. Through grassroots activism, political lobbying, and media campaigns, Dreamers have amplified their voices and pushed for policies that would provide a path to citizenship for themselves and other undocumented immigrants. Their activism has put a human face on the immigration debate, challenging the notion of 'illegal aliens' and highlighting the contributions Dreamers make to American society. The Dreamers' persistent advocacy has influenced policy decisions, including the establishment of the DACA program and ongoing efforts to find a legislative solution for their status. The Dreamers' continued activism and the public's evolving perception of their plight could have a significant impact on future immigration policies and the pursuit of the American dream for this vulnerable population.

Related terms

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): A U.S. immigration policy that allows certain undocumented immigrants who entered the country as minors to receive a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation and eligibility for a work permit.

DREAM Act: The Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act is a proposed federal legislation that would provide a path to permanent residency for certain undocumented immigrant youth who were brought to the U.S. as children.

Undocumented Immigrants: Individuals who are residing in the United States without legal immigration status, often having entered the country without inspection or overstayed a valid visa.