A House Bill known as the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 passed on Tuesday, June 4. It would create a new legal pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, 2.5 million young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children, and for immigrants with Temporary Protected Status whose countries are ravaged by natural disaster or violence or with Deferred Enforced Departure status.
The Democrat-led bill passed 237 to 187, with seven Republicans voting yes. It would create a new legal pathway for over 1 million Dreamers and TPS or DED immigrants. The bill would grant DACA recipients with conditional permanent resident status for up to 10 years, as well as TPS or DED who have lived in the US for a minimum of 3 years without any serious criminal activity.
At this time it is unlikely the bill will both pass the Republican-led Senate and be signed into law by President Trump.
The bill is almost “certain to die in the Republican-led Senate,” reports the NY Times.
“Even if it were to pass the Republican-controlled Senate, it’d still need to be signed by President Donald Trump who’s sought to end these programs,” according to CNN.
Dozens of Dreamers in the House gallery for the vote loudly cheered “Si se puede!” and it’s English translation, “Yes we can!” as the vote tally passed 218, enough for passage.
Chicago immigration lawyer Mario Godoy says a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers should be bi-partisan:
Young adults who have lived their entire lives and been educated in the United States – Dreamers – are in immigration limbo. They deserve clarity and the opportunity to make their lives in the United States without being in the shadows. This shouldn’t be a Democrat or Republican issue – this is an American issue.
On June 3, the Supreme court denied the Trump administration’s request to terminate the Dreamer program this year.
Godoy Law Office is an established immigration law firm in Chicago and Lombard with DACA attorneys who are ready to help you interpret the law as it applies in your case and apply for deferred action if you are eligible. Contact us online or call today at 855-554-6369.
