Jayapal Statement on Passage of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act
Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, historic legislation to provide a roadmap to citizenship for Dreamers as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders.
“I am immensely proud of today’s historic vote to pass the American Dream and Promise Act out of the U.S. House of Representatives, 18 years after the introduction of the original Dream Act. As one of only 14 immigrants currently serving in Congress and as a lifelong advocate for immigration reform, I was honored to preside over one of the critical debates for its passage,” stated Representative Jayapal. “Today’s victory is the result of years of organizing in the streets and the halls of Congress, and I want to thank Dreamers, their parents, their families and friends, and everyone who has put in their blood, sweat and tears to get us to this moment.
“This is a first step, not a last. We must stop criminalizing immigrants at every turn even as we willingly accept their labor and contributions. We cannot let the xenophobia and racism of this President and his administration permeate our country. We must pass humane, just and comprehensive immigration reform that provides a roadmap to citizenship, strengthens family-based immigration and protects workers’ rights on the job.
“At the heart of this bill are people who are American in every single way but on paper: people who are integral parts of our communities and our families. This is a community of strivers who have contributed and will continue to contribute to America in our most fundamental traditions as a nation,” Representative Jayapal concluded.
The American Dream and Promise Act would:
- Provide a roadmap to citizenship for Dreamers who meet certain conditions including either completing higher education, serving in the military or holding a job; and
- Create a roadmap to citizenship for TPS and DED holders.
For full text of the bill, click here.
Issues: Immigration