June 5, 2019
PRESS RELEASE
CONTACT:
Sandra Hernandez: (213) 629-2512 x. 129
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Julie Gallego: (213) 629-2512 x.128
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NHLA PRAISES THE PASSAGE OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AND PROMISE ACT OF 2019, H.R. 6
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act on Tuesday. The measure provides a pathway to citizenship for undocumented youth, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. The National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, a coalition of 45 of the nation’s preeminent Latino advocacy organizations, commends the passage of this legislation.
Our nation’s economic growth is reliant on the opportunities we provide to immigrant youth and TPS holders in our country. A pathway to citizenship guarantees that these individuals can seek employment, higher education, and opportunities to contribute to society without the fear of deportation. NHLA calls upon Senate leaders to follow suit and bring this bill to the floor for a vote.
“The NHLA knows how deep nationwide support is for the American Dream and Promise Act, particularly within the Latino community," said Thomas A. Saenz, NHLA chair and MALDEF president and general counsel. "Yesterday's House vote was a wise vote as a matter of both policy and politics; the Senate should show similar wisdom and act quickly to pass the Act.”
“We applaud the leadership of Democrats in the House and the willingness of several Republicans to buck their party’s command to pass a bill that acknowledges that our Dreamers and TPS holders are part of our American fabric and must stay in the only country they call home. Most of all, we celebrate the indomitable spirit of our immigrants. Working in plain sight of the forces determined to deport them and harm their families and communities, our immigrants reminded us yet again about how much they love our nation and how committed they are to continue to strengthen our democracy and way of life. After years of noise-filled anti-immigrant rhetoric from the President and his sycophants, the cheers emanating from our immigrants in the House gallery were indeed a welcomed sound. ¡La lucha sigue!” said José Calderón, President of Hispanic Federation, and Co-Chair NHLA’s Immigration Committee.
