In the wake of Congress failing to pass the DREAM Act bill, I have written a letter to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) New York District Office’s Director Andrea J. Quarantillo to urge her to grant “deferred action” status to undocumented youth in New York State.
I believe, that in the absence of this legislation, the New York USCIS District Office should be the first to adopt the use of the discretionary option of deferred action for children who would be eligible for relief under the DREAM Act.
This would be a sensible, temporary solution that would provide enormous benefits to these children and to the economy of New York State. I have always appreciated the NY USCIS District Office’s proactive measures to assist immigrants in New York.
The most recent example was Director Quarantillo’s swift and compassionate decision to provide deferred action to Haitians affected by the January 12 earthquake. It is extremely encouraging to see that leaders like her and USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas are taking decisive and resourceful measures to meet the changing dynamics between immigration policy and immigrant needs.
Deferred action would allow these children to have valid identification, work lawfully with fair wages and pay taxes, go to college and live without fear of being removed.
This administrative measure would also prevent those youth from being susceptible to immigration scams peddling false hope of legalized status.
Studies have shown that when kids go to college, their earning capabilities nearly double. That translates into a lot more spending, investing and income tax revenue for our state and nation.
One of the priorities as an elected representative of the community is to ensure that all children have equal access to a quality education and work opportunities. In Queens alone, there are a large number of young persons whose lives would greatly benefit if given the opportunity to apply for deferred action.
Regardless of one’s stance on immigration, these youth are in the position that they are in through no fault of their own. Many of these youngsters were brought to the United States as young children. They grew up here, they speak English, eat, study and play as “Americans,” just like the rest of us.
Since the Dream Act was first introduced in 2001, hundreds of thousands of students have completed high school but, because of their status, face a future of low-wage labor and a life lived in the shadows. It is crucial that we not punish our future leaders.
Every child deserves the opportunity to become a valuable member of our great country, to contribute to the country they have called home for as long as their memory serves them. The only home they have known is America.
Grace Meng is a member of the New State Assembly representing the 22nd District.
