House Dreamer/TPS Bills a Step Forward, But We Need a Strategy for Enactment

(Arlington, VA) – Today the House Judiciary Committee approved H.R. 2820, the Dream Act of 2019 and H.R. 2821 the American Promise Act of 2019. These measures would extend permanent legal protections to the Dreamers – those brought here as children without legal status – as well as recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure holders (DED). It is expected that this measure will soon be voted on by the full House of Representatives.

Daniel Garza, President of The LIBRE Initiative, and Jorge A. Lima, Senior Vice President for Policy for Americans for Prosperity, released the following statement:

“Today’s action sets the stage for the House to pass legislation to provide certainty for Dreamers and those with Temporary Protected Status, and that is a good thing. This reform is strongly supported by the American people – including both Republicans and Democrats. And we know that a bipartisan majority in both chambers have endorsed this goal.

 

“A permanent solution for Dreamers is not a partisan issue, yet we are no closer to seeing those protections signed into law. That’s because leaders in the House, the Senate, and the White House have not yet reached across the aisle to come together on legislation to do just that.

 

“In recent weeks, we have seen significant immigration proposals put forth by the White House, leaders in the Senate, and leaders in the House. Everyone recognizes that our immigration system needs reform. There’s no reason not to begin the bipartisan process of reforming that system today with a solution for Dreamers. We call on leaders in both parties to set aside political considerations and get something done.”

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