US: House Approves American Dream and Promise Act

On Thursday, March 18, 2021, the House approved the American Dream and Promise Act by a 228 to 197 vote. The bill now heads to the Senate, where passage would require bipartisan support.

The American Dream and Promise Act will allow over 2.3 million undocumented individuals who were brought to the country as children to gain legal status and ultimately become US citizens.

If the American Dream and Promise Act becomes law, it will allow recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and other undocumented foreign nationals the opportunity to apply for permanent residence status, provided they meet several requirements. To be eligible, recipients must have either earned an undergraduate degree, served in the military for two years, or worked in the US for three years. The Act would also allow individuals in Temporary Protected Status to apply for permanent residence. Along with the provisions above, it would allow children of US employment visa holders who are awaiting their green cards to adjust their status.

The Act’s passage follows an Executive Order signed by President Biden on January 20, 2021  directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to preserve and fortify DACA.

Along with the American Dream and Promise Act, the House passed H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which allows agricultural workers and their dependents to earn legal status through continual employment in the farming sector. The Act would also change the H-2A guest worker program.

Both bills must pass the Senate to become law. Updates will be provided as available.