Documented Dreamers

You've heard of "dreamers," those brought here at a young age and awaiting legal status. There's another group of so-called "documented dreamers," which are folks who are here legally, but only because they're dependents under their parents’ work visas. Many are currently navigating an unclear path to citizenship, and they run the risk of aging out due to immigration backlogs.

Being dependent on their parents’ work visas is what considers them “legal” for the time being. But once they "age out," it means they may have to leave the only country they’ve ever known.

For the past 15 years, Manasvi Perisetty has called Texas home. "I went to the rodeos here. I say the pledge of allegiance every day to the Texas flag too, so I’m really Texan and American," said Manasvi Perisetty who calls herself a "documented dreamer."

Manasvi was born in India but came to the United States at the young age of 3. She’s been dedicated to her studies since she arrived and is now a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin, but she says getting to this point wasn’t easy.

"A lot of ivy leagues wouldn’t understand why I couldn’t apply. You're eligible academically merit wise but you're not because of one word on your paper on your documents," said Manasvi.

Manasvi is currently a dependent on her father's H1B work visa, which only gives her status until she’s 21. However, green card backlogs might hinder that protection.

"And even during those 21 years, their parents may still be waiting for their residency by the time they turn 21 years old. That’s how backlogged those categories are," said Jennifer Walker Gates, an immigration lawyer.

At least 250,000 of these "documented dreamers" are scrambling to find permanent residency, which inspired the formation of an organization called "Improve the Dream." The organization is made up of "documented dreamers" who press congress to help save their futures.

"We’re really determined to hopefully get a solution for all of us via congress this year," said Dip Patel, the Founder of "Improve the Dream".

The group testified back in March during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Capitol Hill. That's when Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn agreed to help.

"I'd like to work with senator Padilla on the legislation he's introduced to come up with a solution," said Cornyn.

The America's children act was introduced last year to put an end to the aging out system. There's also bipartisan support for a provision under the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA to freeze the age so these children can keep their place in line for green cards.

President Donald Trump recently expressed support for this solution.

"Congress has never been successful in getting an immigration reform bill to the president’s desk for his signature since I’ve been here," said Cornyn.

"When it comes to making that final push, that's when congress fails," said Walker Gates.

While Manasvi is still three years away from her 21st birthday, it’s hard to tell what the future holds. Her biggest concern is facing self-deportation.

"I will have to either self deport or find another way to stay", said Manasvi.

CBS Austin reached out to senator Cornyn’s office to see if he’s pushing for action on this, or if there’s an update. We didn’t get a direct answer but received a statement noting that his position hadn’t changed since the hearing.