US Bishops' Committee on Migration Applauds passing of Legislation to Protect Dreamers - Full Text

Chairman of U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Migration Applauds House for Passing Legislation That Gives Permanent Legal Protection to Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders

June 4, 2019 WASHINGTON— Bishop Joe S. Vásquez of Austin, Chairman of the USCCB Committee on Migration, applauds the House of Representatives for passing the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 (H.R. 6), legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for qualifying Dreamers and TPS and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. “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 Vásquez. “Dreamers, TPS and DED holders are working to make our communities and parishes strongand 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.”
In March, the USCCB Committee on Migration penned a letter of support that can be seen here or below:
More information about Dreamers and TPS can be found on the Justice for Immigrants website.
USCCB Migration Chairman Letter Supporting Proposed Legislation That Gives Permanent Legal Protection to Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Holders 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