The debate surrounding a pathway to citizenship for “Dreamers”—young people brought to the United States as children, who identify as Americans in every way except on paper—touches on both moral and practical considerations. Here’s why an accelerated and legitimate path to citizenship for Dreamers is fair but essential for our society and economy. The Democrats have been parading this opportunity as a talking point for “Dreamers” for decades but have done nothing. Can we please get in front of the Democrats on this issue? I have read that a goal of the Democrats is to allow illegal immigration so they can get “blue” votes. Let’s get in front of this issue and create a concrete, easy, and manageable process that will allow Dreamers automatic citizenship, after being vetted to support each individual’s contribution to the U.S. and their alliance to the U.S. Getting in front of this will derail the Democrats and potentially cause a liberal frenzy, while potentially garnering support from this population for Republicans.
1. Moral Responsibility and Shared Values
Dreamers, many of whom were brought to the United States at a very young age, have grown up immersed in American values, attending American schools, and participating in American communities. They identify as Americans, often with limited or no connection to the country of their birth. It’s unjust to hold them accountable for choices made when they had no agency or voice. By providing a clear path to citizenship, we’re acknowledging their lives, contributions, and shared commitment to our nation. We send a message that America stands by its values of fairness, inclusivity, and opportunity for all.
2. Economic Contributions and Growth
Dreamers contribute significantly to the U.S. economy. They pay taxes, start businesses, and fill crucial roles in industries experiencing labor shortages, such as healthcare, education, and technology. According to studies, granting citizenship would enable Dreamers to fully participate in the economy, leading to higher wages, increased spending, and, ultimately, more significant economic growth. Over their lifetimes, Dreamers are expected to add hundreds of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy, further underscoring how a path to citizenship benefits everyone.
3. Strengthening Communities and Reducing Uncertainty
The absence of citizenship status leaves Dreamers in a state of constant uncertainty, impacting their mental health, stability, and ability to plan for the future. An accelerated path to citizenship would provide them with the security and stability necessary to invest in their communities more fully, pursue higher education, and achieve homeownership. It would allow them to engage as permanent members of their neighborhoods without fear, contributing to a more stable, integrated society.
4. Strategic Workforce Solutions for the Future
As our nation faces a shrinking workforce and an aging population, providing Dreamers with a path to citizenship addresses a pressing workforce need. Many Dreamers are highly educated and trained in fields where we face shortages, such as healthcare and STEM. By supporting Dreamers’ ability to stay and work in the U.S., we’re investing in the skills and talents necessary to meet the demands of our economy. Removing barriers to their participation is an investment in America’s future competitiveness on the global stage.
5. Bipartisan Public Support and Policy Efficiency
Polls consistently show that a majority of Americans, across the political spectrum, support citizenship for Dreamers. An accelerated path to citizenship aligns with this public opinion and would help build trust in the immigration system by addressing an issue that has bipartisan support. Moreover, a structured, expedited process would reduce the administrative backlog in the immigration system, allowing resources to be focused on other urgent immigration needs.
Conclusion
In sum, an accelerated and legitimate path to citizenship for Dreamers is not only a matter of justice and humanity but also a smart economic and social policy. Dreamers are already contributing to American society, and granting them citizenship would enable them to do so fully. By embracing them, we uphold our values, invest in our future, and foster a more inclusive, resilient nation.