Congresswoman Lee Co-Sponsors Dream and Promise Act of 2019
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Barbara Lee joined fellow Members of Congress to co-sponsor H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019, to protect our nation’s Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. The bill would enable them to continue contributing fully to our communities in the East Bay and around the country and also provide a pathway to citizenship.
“Here in the East Bay, Dreamers and TPS and DED holders are students, entrepreneurs, teachers, and neighbors. They are first responders, nurses, and members of our military. They are truly Americans in everything but law.
“Tragically, because of the Trump Administration’s cruel and inhumane immigration policies, these individuals live with great uncertainty and the threat of deportation from their homes, their families, and their communities. With the introduction of the Dream and Promise Act, Democrats are taking decisive action to protect our immigrant neighbors from this Administration’s callous attempts to strip away their protected status.
“As a member of Democratic Leadership, I believe it is Congress’ responsibility to provide certainty to Dreamers and TPS and DED holders across the country. It is a privilege to join my colleagues in co-sponsoring the Dream and Promise Act to strengthen our communities by protecting immigrant families and end this administration’s assault on both immigrants and our most cherished values.”
In 2017, the Trump Administration eviscerated protections for Dreamers by rescinding the DACA program. Although court injunctions have so far permitted Dreamers to renew temporary protections, their long-term status remains in limbo. H.R. 6 would provide a pathway to citizenship for eligible Dreamers who entered the U.S. when they were under the age of 18 and who were continuously present in the U.S. for 4 years prior to the date of the bill’s enactment. Dreamers would be granted permanent resident status on the condition that they fulfill an education, employment, or military enlistment requirement.
In addition, the Dream and Promise Act would secure permanent residency for people with TPS and DED. After 5 years, those individuals would be eligible to apply to become citizens. On average, TPS recipients have lived in the United States for 20 years, establishing a solid foundation for themselves and their families. Similarly, DED recipients have often lived in the United States since at least 2007.
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