Health
EducationChildren of Immigrants
Numbering over 16 million, children of immigrants make up nearly 25 percent of all children in the U.S. under the age of 18. This figure includes undocumented and legal immigrants, as well as the U.S.-born children of immigrants who, at 80 percent, make up the majority of these children.
While most children of immigrants are native-born U.S. citizens, many of these children live in families where one or more of their parents are noncitizens. As a result, children of immigrants, both citizen and undocumented children alike, often face challenges in accessing health care, educational opportunities, and other social services affecting child well-being as a result of their parents’ status.
Federal policy solutions related to education, health care, and other issues related to children must take into account this growing demographic and ensure that all children, regardless of immigration status, have the opportunity to live the American Dream.
Resources and Recent Action:
- Download a First Focus Fact sheet about the DREAM Act
- Learn about Walter Lara, a 23 year old honors student facing deportation.
- Review information from a recent briefing about the child labor crisis in America
