What exactly is a pathway to citizenship? That implies there are barriers and they could fail to achieve citizenship. What happens the first time a dreamer doesn’t get citizenship?
A pathway to citizenship varies from proposal to proposal. The DREAM act from back in 2001 required them to serve in the military or go to college in order to get a green card. Other proposals just make them get background checks, stay out of jail, pay fines and taxes to get permanent residence.
I think it’s at least five years from green card to being able to apply for citizenship but don’t quote me on that.
People lose their permanent residence all the time and are deported. It’s not new.
In order to qualify for DACA they have to meet a few minimal qualifications. But once they’re in DACA there are no ongoing requirements to be met. If those protections are made permanent, they’re golden for life then.
It’s more than a few requirements to apply initially and you have to renew (annually I think) without having left the country without notice and not been convicted of a felony, serious misdemeanor or three minor misdemeanors.
Even then, it’s permanent residence which is years until they actually get citizenship.
DACA is not and never was intended to be permanent.
No one is pushing for “permanent DACA provisions” that I’ve heard of. They’re arguing for permanent residency for those who have received DACA which provides a path to citizenship after about 5 years.
A permanent solution rather than continued uncertainty and continued kicking the can down the road.