East PDX Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) recently joined several of her colleagues to introduce the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act. The proposal creates a pathway to lawful permanent residence and citizenship for individuals who have been continuously present in the United States and were 18 or younger when they entered the country. To be eligible, the individual must have a clean criminal record, graduate from high school or obtain a GED, and must be working, pursuing higher education, or serving in the military.

“Oregon is home to thousands of Dreamers, and the vast majority of them have been in America for well over 10 years. During that time, they have made significant contributions to our society and our economy. In fact, a majority of them are working in industries that are currently struggling to fill job openings. We are a compassionate nation, and it’s past time for Congress to provide Dreamers with certainty and fairness. If they meet the commonsense requirements provided in this bill, individuals brought to America as young children should be allowed to stay here. Here, they are at home. I’m honored to join my colleagues in support of the bipartisan Dream and Promise Act,” Chavez-DeRemer said.

All applicants must have documents establishing their identity and documents establishing that they entered the U.S. when they were younger than 18.

The bipartisan proposal is led by Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and co-authored by Reps. Velazquez (NY-7) and Clarke (NY-9). The bill is also co-led by Reps. Correa (CA-46), Chu (CA-28), Lofgren (CA-18), Jayapal (WA-7), Ramirez (IL-3), Salazar (FL-27), Duarte (CA-13), and González Colón (PR- At Large).

Chavez-DeRemer recently voted for the Secure the Border Act, which would deploy modern technology, increase the number of border patrol agents, and strengthen current law to secure the southern border. She also recently helped introduce the Dignity Act, a bipartisan proposal that seeks to bolster border security while fixing the country’s broken immigration system. It is the first serious bipartisan immigration solution proposed by Congress in over a decade.

Original source can be found here.