American Dream and Promise Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. STAUBER. Madam Speaker, when I speak to families back home, they understand that there are individuals and children in the country who were brought here through no fault of their own. They are understanding and compassionate people who want a solution that is fair and just. But something that I also hear from these same families is their concern and fear for providing green cards and paths to citizenship to gang members and criminals.

The text of this bill only compounds those fears--preventing the United States Government from using readily available information to remove gang members who are national security threats and other public safety threats.

This motion to recommit ensures that those individuals whose applications would be denied on the basis of criminal grounds, national security grounds, public safety risks, or as gang members, are considered by the Department of Homeland Security for removal from the United States.

Madam Speaker, under H.R. 6, information provided in an application for a green card may not be used for the purposes of immigration enforcement, even if the DHS denies the application or it is withdrawn. This means that if an applicant has a murder conviction, a rape conviction, or if the applicant is a gang member, and DHS knows about it because of the application, DHS can't even refer that person for removal.

To be clear, this MTR does not direct the DHS to remove an applicant if they are denied on any other basis. Only applicants who are denied on criminal or national security grounds as public safety risks or as gang members would be affected.

As crime rates skyrocket in cities across the country, the American people are asking for serious solutions. They are crying out for help. And this bill only further enables murderers, rapists, and gang members to exploit our system.

If the Democrats see fit to listen to the American people and exclude these criminals and gang members from receiving green cards under H.R. 6, then they should vote for this motion to recommit to ensure dangerous individuals are denied a safe haven here in our neighborhoods and communities where our children go to school and play.

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