The 12-Year Process to U.S. Citizenship for “Dreamers”

On Tuesday, we told you about Belizean Denea Joseph who has been living in the U.S. for seventeen years, but is one of one point eight million illegal immigrants who were taken to the U.S.A. as children and remain protected under its Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. The Trump Administration says it will wind down the program which will see these persons receive U.S. citizenship in twelve years. Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Belize Adrienne Galanek comments on the statement made by President Trump.

Adrienne Galanek

Adrienne Galanek, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy in Belize

“I think the president was very clear that he wants to work with Congress for a solution so I can’t predict what that solution will be, but he offered a way forward on DACA as well, but that is going to be part of an overall package. So I don’t wanna predict what Congress and those negotiations will result in.”

Donald Trump

Donald Trump, U.S. President

“The first pillar of our framework generously offers a path to citizenship for one point eight million illegal immigrants who were brought here by their parents at a young age — that covers almost three times more people than the previous administration. Under our plan, those who meet education and work requirements, and show good moral character, will be able to become full citizens of the United States over a twelve-year period.”