International Youth Day & Young Immigrants
For immigrant youth in America, this date is significant to showcase the barriers they face to fully become members of the U.S. There are many stories of immigrants who came to the U.S. as children and became successful American adults, as well as DREAMers and DACA recipients who obtained an education, became documented, and continued their success.
Still, a large number of immigrant youth face challenges when arriving in the U.S., especially if they are unaccompanied by an adult. There are different reasons for why children make the dangerous journey to the U.S. alone, but these include poverty, abuse, violence, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and even family reunification with members already living in the U.S.
In addition to this group of unaccompanied minors, there is a large population of children who were brought to the U.S. by family members as babies or toddlers and have grown up and lived here their whole lives. They fall under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, protection program to be allowed to study and work with a temporary allowance.
Neither youth group is completely protected or has a clear path to citizenship, and this is an opportunity for our country.
DREAMers: the Future of America
“Millions of Dreamers are rising up to fill essential jobs and meet this economic demand. But due to the DACA program standing on shaky legal grounds and uncertainty facing individuals with Temporary Protected Status, America’s economy could face a new wave of crippling workforce shortages,” said Duane Musser, vice president of government relations for the National Roofing Contractors Association. “Policies that secure our borders while delivering clear and thoughtful immigration reforms are critical and must be solved by Congress this year to protect and advance America’s economic momentum.”
Across the country special interest groups are advocating for solutions to offer immigrant youth accessible education and revamped policies to obtain permits to live and work in the U.S., since our declining population, worker needs, and economic potential could all benefit from a younger population that is already living here. For these young immigrants, an opportunity to truly integrate in the U.S. would be the culmination of obtaining a better life that they sought by themselves or that their families envisioned for them.
Support Immigrant Youth
On this International Youth Day, we remember that any country’s future depends on the well-being younger generations, and any child deserves a chance to live with safety, education, and opportunity.
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