The so-called documented dreamers, who are estimated to be about 250,000, grew up legally in the US but risk deportation when they turn 21.

FREMONT, CA: For the first time, White House officials met with a group of documented 'dreamers,' largely Indian-Americans, to listen to their fears about ageing out and suggest that constructive steps should be taken to save them from having to leave the country where they have spent practically their entire lives. The estimated 250,000 "documented dreamers" grew up legally in the United States but face deportation when they turn 21. Improve the Dream, a youth-led grassroots organization working for the rights of documented dreamers is looking forward to seeing significant policy reform, both administrative and legislative, to end ageing out.

A meeting with Betsy Lawrence, Deputy Assistant to the President for Immigration, and Erika L. Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President for Asian American and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Affairs, was held earlier this week by Improve the Dream. Even though these children have been visiting Washington, DC for several years, this is the first time senior White House officials have met them.

Sri Harini Kundu expressed her gratitude to the White House officials who took their time out of their busy schedules to listen to their experiences and offer assistance. He also appreciated everything that was done to assist them and remarked that it was a surreal experience to meet White House officials at the White House as the first group in such a  circumstance. Mr Harini immigrated to the United States when he was seven years old and has since lived in three states: Texas, New Jersey, and North Carolina.

As children, Eti and her twin sister Eva were brought to the United States by their father when he began his PhD, they are now 25. Their father's employer-sponsored their father and dependents for a green card when they were in middle school. Eva and Eti bounced from temporary visa to temporary visa after their parents' visa and green card applications expired. Chandana Karumanchi noted that speaking to these government officials about her experience was an amazing event for her after years of feeling alone and out of control.

Over 250,000 children and young adults are dependents of long-term nonimmigrant visa holders in the United States (including H-1B, L-1, E-1, and E-2 workers). These people are born and raised in the United States, and they attend American schools and institutions. Documented dreamers are not eligible for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or the work authorization that comes with it because they have retained legal status.