Washington D.C., Jun 5, 2019 / 15:54 pm
The chairman of the US bishops' migration committee welcomed Tuesday a vote in the House of Representatives passing a bill that would provide a citizenship path for some brought to the US illegally as children, among others.
The House passed the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 by a 237-187 vote June 4. Along with some "Dreamers", who were illegally brought to the US as minors, it would allow a path to cizenship for qualified holders of Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure.
"This is a big step for Dreamers and TPS holders who have called the United States home but have been working and living in uncertainty for years," said Bishop Joe Vásquez of Austin. "Dreamers, TPS and DED holders are working to make our communities and parishes strong and are vital contributors to our country. We welcome today's vote and urge the Senate to take up this legislation which gives permanent protection to Dreamers, TPS and DED holders."
The bill would grant qualifying childhood arrivals 10 years of legal residence, after which they could receive permanent legal residence with two years of higher education or military service, or three years of employment.