House Passes the American Dream and Promise Act
| CONTACTS: | |
|---|---|
| George Tzamaras 202-507-7649 gtzamaras@aila.org |
Belle Woods 202-507-7675 bwoods@aila.org |
WASHINGTON, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) applauded the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) in the House of Representatives on a bipartisan vote of 237 to 187. The bill offers permanent legal status for "Dreamers" and thousands of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. Anastasia Tonello, AILA President said, "We applaud each and every member of the House of Representatives who made passage of this important bill possible. AILA stands with the hardworking aspiring Americans who contribute to America's prosperity, communities, and economic growth. Today's vote not only protects the Dreamers and TPS/DED recipients but also advances our national interests. But this action in the House is not enough. Dreamers and TPS/DED recipients remain at grave risk of being detained and deported putting these individuals in harm's way and exposing our economy to the loss of hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue. That's why AILA is now calling upon the Senate to act immediately and bring H.R. 6 for a vote."
AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson agreed, "Today the House moved to protect not just these individuals, but the millions of Americans who benefit from their $25 billion in spending power and the $5.5 billion in taxes they paid in 2017. The Senate needs to move quickly to protect these integral members of our communities by passing this legislation. For years the vast majority of Americans have recognized the need to protect those who have lived for years in the United States and contributed to the growth of our nation and the well-being of its communities. Now is the time for Congress to recognize their contributions by passing a law that secures their future."
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The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.