Congressman Panetta Votes for H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act

WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, June 4, Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) voted in support of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act. The measure passed on a 237 – 187 vote. The legislation allows Dreamers and individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) to continue to contribute, work, and remain legally in the United States by providing an earned pathway to citizenship.

"These are men and women who don't just live here; they work here, go to school here, own homes here, have families here. They are our loved ones, our friends, our neighbors, our employees. They just don't want to stay here, they want to contribute here, they want to give back to the community and country that has given them so much. They understand, they value, they yearn to fulfill their obligations of living in this democracy," said Congressman Panetta.

In 2017, the Administration announced its decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Although court injunctions have so far permitted current DACA recipients to renew, their status remains in limbo. This bill would provide a pathway to citizenship for eligible Dreamers who entered the U.S. under the age of 18 and who were continuously present in the United States for four years prior to the date of the bill's enactment. Dreamers would be provided conditional permanent resident status and would need to fulfill an education, employment, or military track to adjust to permanent resident status.

In addition, the Dream and Promise Act would secure permanent residency for people with TPS and DED. After five years, those permanent residents would be eligible to apply to become citizens. On average, TPS recipients have lived in the United States for 20 years, building a new life for themselves and their families. Similarly, DED recipients have lived in the United States and contributed to their communities since 2007.