Rep. Krishnamoorthi Votes to Protect Dreamers Through The American Dream and Promise Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Krishnamoorthi recently voted to pass H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, legislation which 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'm proud to stand with Representatives from both parties in voting for the American Dream and Promise Act which would protect Dreamers and other qualifying immigrants while also providing and earned path to permanent residency and even citizenship," said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi. "These individuals have demonstrated themselves to be Americans in every way but on paper and this legislation will address that for those ready to continue contributing to our country while meeting educational, military service, or work requirements."

The American Dream and Promise Act, which Congressman Krishnamoorthi also cosponsored, would establish a pathway for qualifying Dreams to gain conditional lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for 10 years, and then, after meeting additional educational, military service or work requirements, to obtain full lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, five years after which they would be eligible to apply for citizenship. The bill would establish a similar process for qualifying Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. Without such protections, the future of these individuals and their contributions to our economies remains imperiled.

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.