Curbelo, Coffman bill would give undocumented immigrant children legal status

Legislation introduced by U.S. Reps. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and Mike Coffman (R-CO) this week would afford legal status to undocumented immigrants who entered the country as minors prior to 2010.

Under the Recognizing American Children Act, H.R. 5533, if an immigrant meeting the criteria has not been in trouble with the law, has not relied on public assistance and has graduated high school, he or she would be granted conditional legal status for five years.

“There are many young immigrants in our country who came involuntarily with their families as minors,” Curbelo said. “They have grown up with our own kids and attended American schools — many speaking only English. Today, they are trying to make a contribution to our great nation through the economy or the military. These are undoubtedly America’s children. This legislation recognizes them as such by giving them the opportunity to adjust their status. In a season when some are accentuating our differences for personal political gain, our country should come together to support these hard working young people who have earned their place in America.”

During the conditional five-year period of legal status, immigrants would be able to complete one of three pathways for legal permanent resident status – receiving a degree from a vocational school or higher education institution, serving honorably in the armed services, or being gainfully employed.

“They were brought here as children, grew up here, went to school here, and often don’t know of any other country as home except this one,” Coffman said. “If they can demonstrate their commitment to keeping a job or getting an education, they ought to be able to earn a path to becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident and those who serve honorably in the military deserve a direct path to citizenship.”

Coffman said that the bill would take one step toward addressing the nation’s broken immigration system.

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