CNSI: Amendment to Protect Documented Dreamers Good for National Security
July 28, 2022
Press Release
For Immediate Release
Contact: Anna Kumar
Washington, D.C. — Council on National Security and Immigration (CNSI) Leaders released the following statement following a Heritage Foundation blog, opposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) protecting Documented Dreamers. The amendment to the NDAA removes the age restriction of dependents of people who are in the green card backlog or on long-term nonimmigrant visas – known as Documented Dreamers – and allows them to continue to live their lives in America.
“As we tackle immigration problems in America, we must ensure we are supporting common-sense policies that allow the children of high-skilled immigrants — children who were raised and educated in the U.S. and are otherwise eligible — the ability to continue to live and work in this country. These individuals entered the U.S. lawfully and are often waiting on legally filed green card applications. Many of them are completing or have completed a degree and strive to enter the U.S. workforce.
“Removing the age restriction will help ensure high-skilled workers stay in America, as opposed to choosing another country that may not align with our values, such as China. Keeping these individuals in the U.S. bolsters our national security and helps ensure we retain immigrants who embody the American spirit. Calling for these workers to be excluded makes America less secure and is not consistent with conservative principles.
“It is also imperative we continue to fix common-sense problems in our immigration system, while simultaneously working to improve border security. These two things are not mutually exclusive and protecting the children of long-term visa holders will not incentivize unlawful immigration.”
The following leaders signed this statement: Ross Ashley, Randy Beardsworth, Barbara Comstock, Marc Frey, Lynden Melmed, Robert Mocny, Ozzie Nelson, Elizabeth Neumann, Paul Rosenzweig, Margaret Stock and Jim Williams. You can read their bios here.
Leaders of CNSI speak and act solely in their individual capacities, and their views should not be attributed to any organization with which they are affiliated.
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