WASHINGTON, DC —  FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement on the American Hope Act, which was introduced in the House today by Congressman Luis Gutiérrez:

“We applaud Congressman Gutiérrez for his tireless advocacy for immigrants and for reforming our broken immigration system. The introduction of the American Hope Act builds on the important progress being made by members on both sides of the aisle to protect Dreamers, hardworking young people who are already living, working, and contributing to our country. The threat of a DACA repeal is imminent, and the consequences for Dreamers and all Americans are clear: either this vital program is kept in place or a Dream Act is signed into law, or nearly 800,000 young people would lose their jobs immediately and be subject to immediate deportation. Beyond the moral imperative to protect Dreamers, the American economy would lose more than $433 billion over the next decade if we kick out these hard working young people. We urge every member of Congress to make clear that they stand with Dreamers by cosponsoring legislation that protects these hardworking young individuals.”

POLLING RECENTLY RELEASED SHOWS that support for DACA and Dreamers is at an all-time high, with more than 70% of registered voters supporting keeping DACA. Interestingly, that figure increases to 75% support when respondents are told that President Trump has continued this program, including garnering 78% support among Republicans. Additionally, more than 81% of all voters believe that undocumented immigrants should be able to earn a pathway to citizenship if they can complete an application process and pass a background check. These findings reinforce polling from earlier this year, showing that 75% of Trump voters want legal status for Dreamers.