March 15, 2019

Dear Representative:

I write on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration (USCCB/COM) to urge you to support H.R. 6, the “American Dream and Promise Act of 2019.” This legislation, introduced on March 12, 2019, by Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY),and Yvette Clarke (D-FL) on behalf of 201 other original cosponsors, would provide lawful permanent residency and a path to citizenship for qualifying Dreamers and holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED).

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 provides critical protection to Dreamers, immigrant youths who entered the United States as children and know America as their only home. The bill offers qualifying young people “permanent resident status on a conditional basis” and a path to full lawful permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Additionally, H.R. 6 provides lawful permanent resident status for eligible individuals from countries designated for TPS or DED as of 2016 and who have been living in the U.S. for at least three years. The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 also amends current TPS law to require the Secretary of Homeland Security to provide a detailed explanation of a decision to terminate a TPS designation, including a report to Congress three days after publishing a notice of such termination.

My brother bishops and I believe in protecting the dignity of every human being, particularly that of our children and families. The Catholic Bishops have long supported Dreamers and TPS holders, as well as their families. We recognize and admire these individuals as  contributors to our economy, academic standouts in our universities, and leaders in our parishes. It is both our moral duty and in our nation’s best interest to protect them and allow them to reach their full God-given potential.

For these reasons, we ask you to support and co-sponsor H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019. If you already have joined as a cosponsor, we would like to thank you for your support. We also urge you to continue to work towards the larger legislative reform of our immigration laws that our country so desperately needs. As always, USCCB/COM stands ready to work with Congress to reform our immigration system in a humane, just, and common-sense manner.

Sincerely,

Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez
Chairman, USCCB Committee on Migration

 

Click here for a PDF Version of the Dream and Promise Act Letter