WASHINGTON, D.C. — For the first time since 2010, the House of Representatives passed a measure this afternoon that would offer permanence and stability to millions of immigrants.
The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 passed 237-187, with seven Republicans voting for the bill. Should it become law, the bill would protect Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients.
An estimated 2.7 million Dreamers and other immigrants would gain the opportunity to earn eventual citizenship if they meet certain requirements. Currently these immigrants, nearly all of whom are working or studying, are at the mercy of court rulings that may be temporary.
Dreamers who have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) contribute nearly $42 billion annually to the U.S. GDP, according to the American Action Forum. Requiring TPS recipients to leave would cost at least $45 billion in lost GDP in the ensuing decade, and employers would face nearly $1 billion in turnover costs, according to the Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
“A solution for Dreamers, TPS recipients and DED recipients is urgent. The Dream and Promise Act offers a starting point for the two parties to work together, cement these immigrants’ contributions and provide some certainty for American employers and workers,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum.
“Most Americans want bipartisan solutions that include the protections in the Dream and Promise Act. Republicans and Democrats in the Senate and House must find a way to work together and seize this opportunity.”