Meng Hails Passage of the American Dream and Promise Act
Congresswoman stood in solidarity at press conference before passage of the bill
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) issued the following statement after passage of the American Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6.
The bill establishes permanent residency and pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, and individuals who either held or were eligible for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) as of January 1, 2017. These populations have been living in the United States for many years, but now face the threat of deportation under the Trump Administration.
"I'm proud to have voted in favor of the American Dream and Promise Act that provides vital and humane protections for Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients," said Meng. "The Trump Administration's approach to immigration has been cruel, unjust, and vicious. Instead of working toward a future that creates hope and opportunity for Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients, the Administration has relentlessly sought to further drive them into the shadows and close the door on their dreams and aspirations. Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients are our neighbors, students, servicemembers; they are integral members of our community. Passing this bill is not just a critical step toward ensuring they can continue to live in this country where they have spent most of their lives – it upholds the values and promises of our nation. I now call on the Senate to immediately take up this measure."
"Like all Dreamers, my family came to this country seeking a better life; my parents desperately wanted to give me opportunities they never had," said Jin Park, Meng's constituent from Flushing, Queens who is the first DACA recipient to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship.. "Like all Dreamers, the United States is my home. I was honored to be invited to the State of the Union this year, where I was given the opportunity to meet with Members of Congress on this important topic. Passing H.R. 6 is an important step toward permitting Dreamers like me to fulfill their potential and contribute to American society."
Park was Meng's guest at this year's State of the Union address. She invited him in an effort to stand against President Trump's cruel immigration policies.
Over 2.1 million individuals are protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
The United States currently provides TPS to approximately 417,000 foreign nationals from 10 countries: El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. Certain Liberians maintain relief under a similar administrative mechanism known as Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).
Meng is an original cosponsor of H.R. 6.
See attached photo of Meng at a press conference on Capitol Hill this afternoon calling for the passage of the American Dream and Promise Act.
