Home Immigration Reps. Beyer, Wexton, McEachin, Connolly Statements on Passage of HR6, the “American...

Reps. Beyer, Wexton, McEachin, Connolly Statements on Passage of HR6, the “American Dream and Promise Act”

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See below for statements from Virginia members of Congress on passage of H.R. 6, the “American Dream and Promise Act.” For Trump and whoever else claims Democrats in Congress aren’t getting stuff passed, here’s yet another great piece of legislation that the Dem-controlled House has passed, only to see the Republican-controlled Senate not take it up. That really says it all right there: Democrats get good stuff done, Republicans block good stuff from happening. Which is just one of many reasons why nobody should ever vote Republican at this point.

Beyer Votes For Landmark Immigration Reform Legislation
American Dream and Promise Act passes House with bipartisan support

June 4, 2019 (Washington, D.C.) – Rep. Don Beyer issued the following statement today upon following the House passage of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act:

“This is such an important moment, the House is finally doing the right thing on immigration after years of infighting and failure,” said Rep. Beyer. “I have advocated for passage of the Dream Act since I came to Congress, and I always said it would pass with bipartisan support if it could just get a vote. Now that prediction has come true. The legislation we just passed also protects for TPS-holders, an especially important issue for Northern Virginians. The American people sent us to Congress to get big things done, and that’s what we did today.”

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 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (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.

Beyer has been an outspoken advocate for comprehensive immigration reform since arriving in Congress.

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Congresswoman Wexton Votes to Protect Dreamers, Ensure Fair Pathway to Citizenship

Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton (VA-10) voted in favor of H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019. H.R. 6, which passed the House with bipartisan support this evening, offers a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers and other similarly situated immigrants who have spent much of their lives in the United States.

Dreamers who are eligible for protection under the bill on average arrived in the United States at the age of 8 and have grown up and built their lives knowing the United States as their home.

Immigrants eligible for TPS or DED – programs protecting individuals in the United States whose countries of origin are experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions – have, on average, lived in the United States since 1997.

“I’m proud to stand with Dreamers and to vote for the Dream and Promise Act because this bill will change lives and make America stronger,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “Dreamers are Americans in every way except on paper. These young people have proven they deserve permanent legal status and a fair pathway to citizenship. Today’s vote is a powerful affirmation of our values as Americans.”

In Virginia’s 10th Congressional District there are approximately 6,900 residents who would be eligible for protection under the Dream and Promise Act.

Up to 2.5 million immigrants across the country could be eligible for protection under the Dream and Promise Act. Without permanent protections such as those in the Dream and Promise Act, these immigrants’ and their families’ futures in the United States – as well as the fiscal and economic contributions they make – are at risk.

From the Center for American Progress:

Immigrants eligible for protection under H.R. 6 are part of Virginia’s social fabric

  • Virginia is home to 69,400 immigrants who are eligible for protection under the Dream and Promise Act.
  • These individuals live with 138,400 family members; among those family members, 32,300 are U.S.-born citizen children.
  • Dreamers in Virginia who are eligible for protection under the bill arrived in the United States at the average age of 9.
  • TPS- and DED-eligible immigrants in Virginia who would be eligible for protection under H.R. 6 have on average lived in the United States since 1996

Virginia’s economy benefits from immigrants eligible for protection under H.R. 6

  • Immigrants eligible for the Dream and Promise Act own 8,200 homes in Virginia and pay $123,900,000 in annual mortgage payments.
  • Eligible immigrants and their households contribute $647,300,000 in federal taxes and $309,700,000 in state and local taxes each year.
  • Annually, these households generate $2,495,700,000 in spending power.
McEachin Votes in Support of the American Dream and Promise Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) proudly supported H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019, which provides protections for up to 2.5 million immigrants who have spent much of their lives in the United States.

“Since coming to Congress, I have fought to protect Dreamers, and to provide a pathway to citizenship for all those who have come here seeking a better life and who are already valued members of our communities,” said Congressman A. Donald McEachin. “America is the only country many of these individuals have known; they contribute in countless ways to the economy and overall well-being of our nation and our society. As an original co-sponsor of this important bill, I am thrilled to see House Democrats once again standing up for vulnerable communities.”

Since taking office, President Trump has stripped away protections and removed work authorizations from immigrants who have lived in our country for decades, including individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) designations.

On average, Dreamers who are eligible for protection under this legislation have called the United States home since they were 8 years old. Immigrants eligible for TPS or DED  – programs protecting individuals in the United States whose countries of origin are experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions – have, on average, lived in the United States since 1997.

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