Speaker Pelosi, Reps. Roybal-Allard, Velázquez, and Clarke Introduce Dream and Promise Act to Protect Dreamers and Recipients of TPS and DED

Statement

Today, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA-12) and Congresswomen Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09)announced the introduction of H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act. Speaker Pelosi has the power to assign the bill numbers H.R. 1 through H.R. 10 for this Congress, and the Dream and Promise Act's designation as H.R. 6 underscores its status as a priority of the House Majority. The bill is the 116th Congress's version of the Dream Act, a bill which has been introduced since 2001 to allow the U.S.-raised immigrant youth known as "Dreamers" to earn lawful permanent residence and American citizenship. However, H.R. 6 includes protections and a path to citizenship not just for Dreamers, but also for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries. Speaker Pelosi and the bill's three co-authors, Congresswomen Roybal-Allard, Velázquez, and Clarke, announced H.R. 6 today at a press event with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD-05), Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren (CA-19), Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), fellow House Democrats, and Dreamer and TPS individuals covered by the legislation. 204 House Members have signed on to H.R. 6.

"As a co-author of the original Dream Act, and as the congresswoman for the district with the nation's largest Dreamer population, it is a privilege to lead today's introduction of the Dream and Promise Act," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. "I have seen firsthand the love that our Dreamers have for our country. They are our neighbors and colleagues who help strengthen our communities. They are students, scientists, researchers, and small business owners. Our Dream and Promise Act recognizes the contributions and patriotism of Dreamers, TPS recipients, and DED beneficiaries by helping them stay in America, pursue a path to citizenship, and keep strengthening our great country. I look forward to fighting for the passage of this pivotal legislation in the House, and making it the law of the land."

"For two years, the Trump Administration has viciously targeted some of our most vulnerable immigrant communities creating a climate of uncertainty and fear," said Congresswoman Velázquez. "Whether it is Dreamers who arrived here as children or TPS or DED recipients who came here fleeing desperate conditions, we need to make clear to these immigrants -- our friends and neighbors -- that we stand with them and they are here to stay. I'm proud to join with my colleagues, Congresswomen Roybal-Allard and Yvette Clarke, in introducing this legislation, which would provide these communities with protections under the law and a path toward citizenship."

"We need comprehensive immigration reform that protects Dreamers, as well as TPS and DED beneficiaries," said Congresswoman Clarke. "That's why I am proud to be a co-lead on the Dream and Promise Act (HR 6). This bill will include a path to citizenship for Dreamers, as well as for people covered by Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure. This bill builds upon the Dream Act, the American Promise Act, and the ASPIRE TPS Act, which I introduced last Congress."

"Today, House Democrats are taking an important step forward to provide relief to Dreamers and those with TPS and DED," said Leader Hoyer. "I'm proud to cosponsor legislation introduced by Reps. Roybal-Allard, Velázquez, and Clarke, H.R. 6, which would remove the threat of deportation and provide a pathway to citizenship. I look forward to passing this legislation on the House Floor following committee consideration and sending it to the Senate. Congress and this Administration must meet its responsibility and take action to protect Dreamers and TPS recipients."

"Despite the difficulties they have faced without immigration status, for Dreamers and TPS recipients, this country is their home," said Congresswoman Lofgren. "With the support of their families, friends, and communities, they have chased their dreams. However, due to the Trump Administration's efforts to halt these programs, these individuals' futures remain very uncertain. Today's legislation aims to eradicate that uncertainty by creating a future where Dreamers and long-term TPS/DED recipients can finally have the peace of mind that comes with lawful permanent status. I am proud to support this legislation and the individuals it protects."

"America is a promise -- a promise of freedom, justice, and opportunity -- and to be an American is not defined by your immigration status, but by a set of values we all share," said Congressman Takano. "Dreamers and TPS recipients are emblematic of what it means to be an American -- to play by the rules, contribute to our society, work hard, and serve our country. The Dream and Promise Act will give Dreamers and TPS recipients the opportunity to continue building their lives, raising their families, and contributing to their communities in the country that is now their home. By introducing this legislation, our friends and neighbors know that they are welcome here -- by passing it, we will show our immigrant communities that we have the political courage to stand up for them. Thank you to my colleagues for working on this important issue, together we will ensure that Dreamers and TPS recipients are here to stay."

"I am very proud and grateful to be part of a historic moment in our community's struggle for representation," said Jesica Garcia, a Dreamer from Congresswoman Roybal-Allard's 40th Congressional District; Ms. Garcia spoke at today's press event. "This moment means hope and a chance to live life without hesitation, fear, and uncertainty. I want to develop my full potential as an educator and feel like I belong. The promise of permanency in the United States means I am part of something great and I will no longer need to hide."

"I've been here for 20 years, always working hard and paying taxes just like anybody else. My son is 14 years old, he needs me, I need him and we both deserve to stay here," said Hever Gálvez, a TPS holder and Maryland resident from El Salvador whose son has U.S. citizenship; Mr. Gálvez also spoke at today's press event. "In El Salvador, there are gangs on every corner, in every city, watching me daily. There are no jobs and I could be killed at any time."