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Dream and Promise Act
Posted on Mar 14 2019
UPDATED May 13, 2019 – The Dream and Promise Act, introduced as H.R. 6 by Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), and Reps. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) and Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY), would protect Dreamers and recipients of Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure by providing them with a pathway to citizenship.
More than two million immigrants now live with the uncertainty of DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), TPS (Temporary Protected Status), and DED (Deferred Enforced Departure), threatened with termination of status and deportation. Liberian DED status, previously scheduled to end at the end of March, was extended at the last minute to 2020. While the administration has ordered an end to DACA and to protection for most TPS recipients, those orders are currently being challenged in courts across the country. All of the people living with DED, TPS, and DACA need the protection of a pathway to citizenship, rather than the uncertainty and fear of short-term statuses and a constant quest for extensions.
Lenore Millibergity, acting executive director of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) said:
“We need these immigrants. They have lived in the United States for decades, worked here, built homes and families here, and continue in so many ways to strengthen and enrich this country. Not only do we need their contributions: in fairness and justice, we owe them the protection of permanent legal residence and a path to citizenship.
“It’s time for Congress to act.”
No action has been taken on the Dream and Promise Act since its introduction and referral to committees. Congress needs to act now, rather than allowing these statuses to expire during the volatile 2020 election season.