This week, the House can take the next step and break the cycle. By passing H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, Congress would create an earned pathway to citizenship for more than two and a half million Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients. We have a chance to move our country forward, pass immigration reform, and do right by the millions of hardworking immigrants who call the United States home.
With over 231 cosponsors, this is the first time in nine years that a bill with any chance of passage is coming up for a vote. Here’s what it means for Dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients.
DREAMERS
H.R. 6 would create a “conditional permanent resident” status, valid for up to a decade, that would allow Dreamers a chance to earn citizenship while protecting them from deportation and allowing them to work legally in the United States.
Dreamers would need to meet the following requirements to get conditional permanent resident status:
- Pass government and background security checks, submit biometric and biographic data, demonstrate good character Establish that they came to the U.S. as a minor and have continuously lived in the U.S. for at least four years prior to the bill’s enactment
- Demonstrate they have been admitted to an institution of higher education, earned a high school diploma or an equivalent in the U.S., or are currently in the process of earning a high school diploma (or an equivalent)
From there, conditional permanent resident status holders could apply to become “lawful permanent residents.” In other words, it would establish a clear pathway to citizenship.
TPS AND DED HOLDERS
For TPS and DED holders, H.R. 6 would grant access to legal permanent resident status if an individual meets these conditions:
- Establish they have lived continuously in the U.S. for at least three years before the bill’s enactment
- Demonstrate they were eligible for or had TPS on September 25, 2016, or had DED as of September 28, 2016
- Apply within three years of the bill’s enactment and meet the admissibility requirements for legal permanent residency
This is a crucial moment in our country’s history. Congress has a chance to pass immigration reform, protect these vital communities, and put an end to a completely avoidable crisis. Passing this bill would put the onus on the Senate to follow through and build on previous bipartisan efforts at meaningful immigration reform. It’s the right thing to do.
Call Congress and tell them to pass The American Dream and Promise Act today.