Congressman Jason Crow joined fellow Members of Congress on Tuesday, to co-sponsor H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, to protect our nation’s Dreamers, as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. This legislation would allow our immigrant neighbors to contribute fully to Colorado’s communities and our country while providing them with a pathway to citizenship.
“The community I represent is stronger and more vibrant because of the contributions of our immigrants. That’s why I’m so proud to be an original cosponsor of the Dream and Promise Act. Our neighbors who come to América seeking refuge deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and we all are better off when we keep families together. Our laws should reflect those values and work to keep families together, not tear them apart. This bill provides a pathway to citizenship for our neighbors and is a necessary step forward for the immigration reform our country so desperately needs,” said Rep. Crow.
“We are encouraged by the introduction of HR 6, The Dream and Promise Act of 2019 today in the US House of Representatives. As a DACA recipient, I know the type of impact a law that grants a work permit can do and even more importantly how life changing it will be to finally have access to a path to citizenship. As a life long American, I would love nothing more than to finally realize an enormous goal of becoming a citizen. As for those who would qualify under TPS and DED, I am sure they are equally as energized and inspired by the introduction of HR6. This will change the course of history for millions of families across the U.S.,” said Victor Galvan, Director of Membership, The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition.
“Our neighbors who come to América seeking refuge deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and we all are better off when we keep families together. Our laws should reflect those values and work to keep families together, not tear them apart.”
Rep. Jason Crow
In 2017, the Trump Administration rescinded protections for Dreamers, including 3,100 current DACA recipients and 5,500 eligible DACA recipients in Colorado’s Sixth District. Although court injunctions have so far permitted Dreamers to renew their applications, their status remains in limbo pending the Supreme Court’s action.
This bill would provide a pathway to citizenship for eligible Dreamers who entered the U.S. 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 could be provided permanent resident status if they fulfill an education or employment requirement or join the military.
In addition, the Dream and Promise Act would secure permanent residency for people with TPS, like those from El Salvador or Haiti for example, and Liberians with DED status. After 5 years, those permanent residents would be eligible to apply to become citizens. Hundreds of TPS recipients have lived in Colorado for 20 years, building a new life for themselves and their families. Similarly, DED recipients have lived in our communities and contributed to Colorado since 2007.
This bill promotes justice and fairness for all of our neighbors, including DACA recipients and TPS and DED holders who fled brutality, violence, and natural disasters many years ago to come to this country and achieve the American dream.
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