On March 3, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, that would provide a pathway to citizenship for the 2.5 undocumented immigrants who were brought into the country as children. The bill would provide a path to citizenship for young undocumented immigrants that have been referred to as “Dreamers”. Dreamers has been used to identify those who are protected by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that was implemented back in 2012, under President Obama’s Administration. Under DACA, the Dreamers are protected temporarily from deportation.
If approved, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, would grant current, former and future undocumented high-school graduates and GED recipients with a pathway to U.S. Citizenship through college, work, or service in the armed forces. The bill currently outlines a 3-step process in order to achieve naturalization. Under the bill, a Dreamer will become a conditional permanent resident status for 10 years and cancel removal proceedings if people meet certain requirements, which include:
- Being present in the U.S. on or before January 1, 2021
- Being 18 years or younger on the date of initial entry into the U.S.
- Not having been convicted of crimes such as domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking
In addition, the House also passed of a second Bill, called the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which would also create a system for about one million undocumented farmworkers to obtain citizenship.
Currently, none of the 2 bills have become law. It is not clear whether the Senate will vote to in favor of the Bill of if it will have the required votes.
The Rodriguez Figueroa Law team is committed to helping you reach your American Dream. If you need assistance with your immigration process or need additional information to make a decision about your case, contact us for a case evaluation via online or at (407) 634-4757.
