Lucille Roybal-Allard: “As a co-author of H.R. 6, I rise in strong support of the American Dream and Promise Act. I thank Speaker Pelosi for…”

“As a co-author of H.R. 6, I rise in strong support of the American Dream and Promise Act. I thank Speaker Pelosi for making the American Dream and Promise Act one of the top 10 Democratic priorities in the 117th Congress. I also thank Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and the Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee for their invaluable hard work on this bill. Today, this House has another opportunity to pass H.R. 6 and, once and for all, end the fear and uncertainty that have plagued the lives of our Nation's Dreamers, who have become an integral part of the fabric of American society. According to the Center for American Progress, each year Dreamers contribute over $17.3 billion in Federal taxes, nearly $9.7 billion in State and local taxes, and their households have $75 billion in buying power. Over the course of this deadly corona pandemic, an estimated 202,500 DACA recipients have risked their lives to protect the health and safety of Americans. Yet, in spite of the critical role they play in our society, over 2.1 million Dreamers live in a state of limbo, doubt, and anxiety of being deported to a country most do not know. H.R. 6 eliminates the ambiguity in their lives and recognizes the talents and indispensable contributions Dreamers make to our country. While their individual stories may vary, they share the common denominator of embracing and exemplifying American values and love for this country, the only country they call home.…”