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On September 5, 2025, North Carolina lawmakers announced a new immigration policy aimed at providing a path to citizenship for Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. This announcement comes on the 30th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provided temporary relief from deportation to hundreds of thousands of young immigrants.The proposed policy, known as the North Carolina Dreamers Act, would allow Dreamers who meet certain criteria to apply for citizenship within the state. To be eligible, applicants must have arrived in the United States before the age of 16, have lived in North Carolina for at least five years, and have a clean criminal record. Additionally, they must be enrolled in or have completed a degree program at a North Carolina institution of higher education.State Senator Maria Rodriguez, who co-sponsored the bill, emphasized the importance of supporting Dreamers who have grown up in North Carolina and contribute to the state's economy and communities. "Dreamers are our neighbors, classmates, and coworkers. They deserve a chance to fully participate in society and pursue their dreams," Senator Rodriguez stated.The North Carolina Dreamers Act has garnered support from a bipartisan group of lawmakers who believe in providing opportunities for undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children. State Representative David Thompson, a Republican co-sponsor of the bill, highlighted the benefits of integrating Dreamers into society. "These young people have grown up in the United States and consider it their home. It is in our best interest to provide them with the opportunity to become productive members of society," Representative Thompson explained.The announcement of the North Carolina Dreamers Act comes amidst ongoing national debates over immigration policy and the treatment of undocumented immigrants. North Carolina's proposed policy reflects a growing trend among states to take a more proactive approach to immigration reform in the absence of federal action.If passed, the North Carolina Dreamers Act would provide a ray of hope for thousands of Dreamers in the state who have long awaited a pathway to citizenship. The bill is set to be debated in the state legislature in the coming weeks, with proponents hopeful that it will receive bipartisan support and bring positive change to the lives of North Carolina's immigrant community.