Pass the Dream Act
Recommendation
Congress should pass the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would allow undocumented immigrants who entered the U.S. as children to obtain permanent residence and eventual citizenship if they have a GED or high school education, commit to pursue work or military service, and pass background checks and security screenings.[1][2]
Background/summary
The DREAM Act, first introduced in 2021, would provide legal protections to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children, commonly referred to as “Dreamers”.[3] These individuals are at an increased risk for mental health issues as they face many stressors related to working status, societal exclusion, and fear of deportation.[4] In 2012, former President Obama issued an executive order authorizing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary protection from deportation and allows individuals to get a time-limited work permit.[5] Unfortunately, DACA recipients and the broader population of Dreamers continue to experience mental health needs, though the needs of the community are not fully known. And when individuals do seek mental health treatment, they end up not finding culturally competent providers who understand their situation.[6] The DREAM Act of 2023 would alleviate some of the stressors of Dreamers and DACA recipients, thereby also improving their mental health.[1][2]
citations
1. Dream Act of 2023. S. 365 (Durbin), 118th Congress (2023-2024). Last Accessed July 24, 2023.
2. “Sen. Durbin and Sen Lindsey Graham Introduce The Dream Act.” 2023. Congressman Richard Durbin. Last Accessed July 24, 2023.
3. American Immigration Council. “The Dream Act: An Overview.” Last Accessed July 24, 2023.
4. Garcini, L. M., Peña, J. M., Galvan, T., Fagundes, C. P., and Klonoff, E. A. 2017. “DREAMers Living in the United States: A Contextual Perspective and Clinical Implications.” The American Journal of Psychiatry, 174(7), 623–625. Last Accessed July 24, 2023.
5. Collier, Lorna. 2015. “DREAMers in limbo.” American Psychological Association. Last Accessed July 24, 2023.
6. Pappas, Stephanie. 2020. “After DACA victory, attention turns to mental health needs.” American Psychological Association. Last Accessed July 24, 2023.