Bipartisan bill introduced to Senate to protect children of long-term visa holders

"These 'Documented Dreamers' face deportation if they age out of dependent status at 21 without a green card or another immigration status," the statement added.

"We cannot turn our backs on the 'Documented Dreamers' who have spent most of their lives in this country, contributing to their communities and our economy, but face continued uncertainty and risk deportation once they turn 21," said Padilla. "These young people deserve the opportunity to pursue their American dream and continue building lives in the country they call home."

"These children who have legally called the United States home for many years and even decades, are contributing members in our communities and to our economy. They shouldn't be penalized by the government's failures in addressing green card backlogs," added Paul.

"The America's Children Act provides targeted relief for these children of merit-based immigrants who are at risk of 'aging out of their lawful immigration status, and I'm pleased to join Sen. Padilla in introducing this bill," he said.

The bill is cosponsored by Senators Dick Durbin, Chris Coons, and Susan Collins.

The legislation was previously introduced to the House at the beginning of July by Representative Deborah Ross.