The American Dream and Promise Act grants legal status and a path to citizenship to roughly 2.5 million illegal immigrants who came to the US as children (so-called Dreamers) and similarly provides a path to citizenship for individuals from nations who are in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) protections.

In Favor: “As a co-author of the original Dream Act, and as the congresswoman for the district with the nation's largest Dreamer population, it is a privilege to lead the introduction of the Dream and Promise Act,” said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard.  “I have seen firsthand the love that our Dreamers have for our country.  They are our neighbors and colleagues who help strengthen our communities.  They are students, scientists, researchers, and small business owners.  Our Dream and Promise Act recognizes the contributions and patriotism of Dreamers, TPS recipients, and DED beneficiaries by helping them stay in America, pursue a path to citizenship, and keep strengthening our great country.  I look forward to fighting for the passage of this pivotal legislation in the House, and making it the law of the land.”

Against: “We need to take action to control our border. We will never stop the flow of illegal immigration coming into this country until we get serious about securing the border and until we follow through on the enforcement mechanisms that Congress has and continues to put in place. Until we do that, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cartels will continue to thrive, said Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA). "This bill is unfair to immigrants who have obeyed the law to enter our country legally. America welcomes all who are coming to our Nation who respect the rule of law and want to contribute to our society. Unfortunately, they will be left to wait while USCIS attempts to process the millions of applications that [this] legislation would authorize. It creates a system that is ripe for fraud and abuse. It includes a laundry list of unverifiable documents that can be used to obtain green cards....There is nothing in this legislation that fixes what is wrong with our immigration laws. This is the wrong way to go.”

Should Congress pass the American Dream and Promise Act?