Rep. Adriano Espaillat Presides Over Vote to Pass Landmark Dream and Promise Act

Statement

Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), the only formerly undocumented immigrant in Congress, presided over the vote to pass H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. The monumental bill, which Rep. Espaillat supported, will put more than 2.1 Million Dreamers on a pathway to citizenship and establish a pathway to permanent residence for individuals covered by programs known as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

"Today is a great day in our nation as we live up to our most noble and altruistic ideals. By passing the Dream and Promise Act, we reaffirm that we are still a nation of immigrants," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13).

"We follow a great tradition that goes back even before Ellis Island, when hundreds of thousands of mainly European immigrants from humble, poor beginnings reached our shores to better their lives. They made us a "more perfect union,' strengthening the notion that we are a nation of immigrants.

"With passage of H.R. 6, young people and others who are students, teachers, nurses, caregivers, and members of our armed forces will be able to fully embrace their potential and live the American Dream, reaffirming that the United States is a nation of immigrants.

"Whether from red states or blue states, we all share an immigrant heritage in one way or another: Some came by force, shackled to their destiny, while others came fleeing violence, poverty, hunger, or in search of liberty and religious freedom. Many came with nothing but the shirt on their backs and others with suitcases full of dreams and aspirations.

"Today, I am proud to stand with my colleagues to pass this landmark bill and to reaffirm that we are still a nation of immigrants and our fight continues to ensure the American Dream remains viable for all."

Source