Houses Passes Bill Giving Citizenship Path For Dreamers & Migrant Workers

The Dream and Promise Act passed in the House of Representatives in a vote of 228-197. The act paves way for people in the Dreamers program and migrant farmworkers to get American citizenship, finally settling the fate of people whose status has hung in the balance after four years of intense scrutiny under former President Donald Trump.

Sponsor Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-California) called the act’s passing “a major step in ending the veil of fear and uncertainty that has plagued the lives of our Dreamers for far too long.” The act also lifts uncertainty from Temporary Protected Status (TPS) workers who can now apply for citizenship.

“Recipients are essential to our communities. Many of them have lived in the United States for decades. They make up a significant portion of the workforce in key industries including construction, food service and home health care. They contribute to the U.S. economy not only through their work, but also through consumer spending and tax revenue, and they have been particularly essential in serving our country during the COVID-19 pandemic,” House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-New York) said in a statement on the House floor Thursday.

“This legislation is not about the border. This legislation is about finally delivering on our promise to America’s Dreamers and others who are equally deserving of our protection,” Nadler continued.

The Dream and Promise Act aims to create an avenue for citizenship for nearly 4.5 million people now in legal limbo.