Velázquez Joins Roybal-Allard, Clarke in Reintroduction of H.R. 6

Press Release

Seeking to restore our nation's immigration system following the rollbacks it suffered under the previous Administration and provide a clear path to citizenship for millions, Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) has joined Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) in the reintroduction of legislation that would strengthen protections for recipients of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) The bill, titled the American Dream and Promise Act, would shield recipients of TPS and DACA from deportation and create a more comprehensive pathway to citizenship.

During the Trump Administration, both the TPS and DACA programs were under serious threat of termination, and were already subject to drastic rollbacks, jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of immigrants residing in the United States. Under the proposed legislation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) will cancel removal proceedings against some immigrants and offer a path towards permanent resident status. The process through which they can apply for permanent residence or citizenship will be streamlined and DHS is required to establish a grant program for nonprofits that aid in immigration concerns.

"The last four years were a dark, uncertain period for the millions of immigrants living in America, but the opportunity to begin a new chapter for our nation's immigration policy under the Biden Administration is underway," said Velázquez. "I am proud to join my colleagues in reintroducing the American Dream and Promise Act, which provides critical protections to recipients of TPS and DACA, including a pathway towards Legal Permanent Residence and citizenship. The United States has always been, and will continue to be, a nation of immigrants. They are our neighbors, our family, and our coworkers, and they deserve better. I would like to thank Rep. Roybal-Allard and Rep. Clarke for their strong leadership on this issue and for joining me in introducing this bill."

"As an original co-author of the 2001 Dream Act, and as the Member of Congress representing the district with the highest percentage of Dreamers, I am thrilled to reintroduce the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, H.R. 6, as we continue our work to pass long-overdue legislation to reform our nation's immigration system," said Rep. Roybal-Allard. "For far too long, Dreamers and others have waited in limbo and lived with the fear of being deported from the only country they know as home. I thank my co-authors, Reps. Velázquez and Clarke, for their tireless efforts to protect the rights of our immigrant communities and for joining me in introducing this critical legislation."

"I am proud to co-lead H.R.6, the Dream and Promise Act, which provides 2.5 Million: DREAMers, Temporary Protected Status, and Deferred Enforcement Departure Recipients with a pathway to citizenship. 2.5 million people who already call America home and are contributing to our society. As Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Immigration Task Force, it is my passion and my duty to STAND UP for immigrants," said Clarke. "H.R. 6, is the right thing to do for Dreamers and TPS and DED holders. Immigrants greatly contribute to our economy, our community, and our culture. Reversing the policies of the last four years is not enough. We must reimagine the immigration system in a manner that is humane, just, and fair. The time has come for the values of our nation to be reflected in our immigration policies."

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