HIAS Statement on the Dream Act and Promise Act

SILVER SPRING, Md. – Last night, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee approved the Dream Act of 2019 and American Promise Act of 2019.

If passed, this legislation would provide a pathway to citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients living in the United States. This would provide protection from deportation for more than two million people who have long called the United States home.  

In response to the Committee’s vote, HIAS Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Melanie Nezer, said, “It is well beyond time that Dreamers, TPS, and DED beneficiaries are given the opportunity to become U.S. citizens. The Dream Act and American Promise Act would allow these individuals, Americans in every way except for their paperwork, to live their lives without a constant veil of uncertainty and fear hanging over them.”

Nezer added, “While we are pleased that these bills will make it to the House floor for a vote, we recognize that there is still more work to be done. HIAS urges the House to swiftly pass the Dream Act and American Promise Act, without the inclusion of harmful amendments. In doing so, it will recognize the countless ways that Dreamers and other immigrants contribute to our country, and will demonstrate support for our fellow community members who have been living in limbo for far too long.”

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