House Judiciary Committee Advances Legislation to Protect Dreamers, TPS and DED Recipients from Deportation

WASHINGTON — The House Judiciary Committee passed the Dream Act and the American Promise Act tonight, which together would provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) beneficiaries, protecting more than two million immigrants from deportation.

With tonight’s action, the House of Representatives is set up to hold the first floor vote on standalone bills to provide a pathway to citizenship in nearly a decade.

Lorella Praeli, deputy political director at the ACLU, had the following response:

“For the past two years, Dreamers and TPS and DED holders have lived under the purgatory of an uncertain future, their lives thrown into chaos by the Trump administration. But tonight, these immigrants, their families, and their communities are a step closer to safety and freedom protected by law. We are disappointed to see this legislation move forward with provisions that deny its essential benefits to those who have had contact with the criminal justice system. However, these votes mark a historic victory in a fight to which activists across the country have dedicated their lives.

“The ACLU urges the House to pass the Dream Act and American Promise Act without harmful amendments, and put into action their long-held support for Dreamers and other immigrant communities. It is past time for members to vote their principles and their promises.”