On June 4, 2019, Rep. Davis voted to pass H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, landmark legislation that provides permanent protections to our nation’s Dreamers, as well as to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders, allowing them to contribute fully to Illinois communities and our country while providing a pathway to citizenship.

“I am proud to stand with my colleagues, as well as with Illinois Dreamers and TPS and DED holders, to take this historic step to pass the American Dream and Promise Act to ensure that these brave Americans can continue to bless and enrich our communities and our nation,” said Rep. Davis.  “Every day since the President cruelly took steps to attempt to terminate DACA, terminate TPS for most populations, and provide that DED will be terminated in one year, these hard-working, brave men, women and young people have been forced to live in uncertainty and fear, unsure if they will be deported.  Although the courts have so far blocked the implementation of the President’s callous actions, that could change at any moment.  Thanks to countless courageous Illinoisans and Americans across the country who stood up, spoke out and shared their stories, the House has now been able to pass this critical legislation and send it to the Senate.”

“There are Dreamers across the country, in every state,” added Rep. Davis.  “We have seen firsthand the love that Dreamers have for our country.  They are our neighbors and colleagues who strengthen our communities.  They are students, scientists, researchers, servicemembers and small business owners.  On average, Dreamers arrived in our country by age eight and the U.S. is the only home they really know.  Similarly, TPS and DED holders have lived and worked here for decades, contributing to their communities and the economy.  TPS and DED holders, on average, have lived in the U.S. since 1997 and now have deep roots in their communities.”    

The American Dream and Promise Act establishes a process for Dreamers meeting certain criteria to first obtain conditional lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for 10 years, and then, when they have met certain additional educational, military service or work requirements, to obtain full lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.  Once obtaining full LPR status, Dreamers can then apply for citizenship after an additional five years.  Similarly, the bill establishes a process for TPS and DED holders meeting certain criteria to also obtain lawful permanent resident status (and eventual citizenship).  Without these permanent protections, the future of our Dreamers and TPS and DED holders – and their contributions to our economy – remain at risk.

This bill, simply, is designed to promote justice and fairness for our nation’s Dreamers, and for the TPS and DED holders who had fled ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, and other extraordinary conditions many years ago to come to this country. 

“There should be nothing partisan about honoring our values or our heritage as a nation of immigrants,” concluded Rep. Davis.  “The individuals receiving protection under this vital bill have lived most of their lives in this country and it is now their home.  The courage, patriotism and determination to pursue the American Dream of Dreamers and TPS and DED holders have strengthened our nation, and House Democrats will continue to fight to ensure this essential bill is enacted into law, as we call for additional steps to fix our broken immigration system, including comprehensive immigration reform.”

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