House Passes American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 Offering Dreamers a Path to Citizenship

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Photo: Molly Adams

On June 5, 2019, the House of Representatives unified to pass H.R. 6 better known as the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019, offering Dreamers who meet certain requirements, a path to citizenship.

The bill must still pass through the Senate to become law.

H.R. 6 would require young undocumented aliens to meet the following requirements in order to be eligible to adjust their status to permanent residence:

  • The applicant must be continuously physically present in the United States for 4 years prior to the enactment of the bill
  • The applicant must have been younger than 18 years of age on the date he or she entered the United States and must have continuously resided in the United States since entry
  • The applicant must have:
  • been admitted to an institution of higher education in the United States or
  • been admitted to an area career and technical education school at the postsecondary level in the United States and
  • obtained a high school diploma or a commensurate alternative award from:

a public or private high school or a General Education Development credential, a high school equivalency diploma recognized under State law, or another similar State-authorized credential or a credential or certificate from an area career and technical education school at the secondary level; or a recognized postsecondary credential; or enrolled in secondary school or in an education program assisting students in—obtaining a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent under State law; passing the General Education Development test, a high school equivalence diploma examination, or other similar State-authorized exam; obtaining a certificate or credential from an area career and technical education school providing education at the secondary level; or obtaining a recognized postsecondary credential.

If the bill were to pass the Senate, it would provide an estimated 2 million dreamers an opportunity to obtain permanent residence. Although the bill passed the house with a 237-187 vote, the bill faces mounting opposition in the Republican controlled Senate.

As the bill proceeds, we will keep our readers informed about the latest developments.