Bill includes pathway to citizenship for DED holders
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, The American Dream and Promise Act, which was co-led by Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03), passed the House of Representatives. The bill includes a pathway to citizenship for Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Delayed Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients who meet certain criteria.
“In Minnesota, we are living proof that immigrants make our communities stronger,”said Phillips. “This bill gives the most hardworking, driven and educated immigrants a chance to fully live the American Dream. They have earned that right. I am especially pleased that it provides a long overdue pathway to citizenship for DED holders in our Liberian community. When President Trump extended DED for one year in March, I promised to work to find a legislative fix that would prevent the need for more extensions. This bill would do just that. It is critical to Minnesota’s future, and I urge the Senate to pass it. I remain committed to pursuing all options to find a legislative fix for DED, in addition to a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, DACA recipients, and those here under Temporary Protected Status.”
The bill gives a pathway to permanent resident status for DED and TPS holders who have been in the United States for three years and do not have any felony convictions or more than one misdemeanor. After five years as a permanent resident, they can apply for citizenship.
Earlier today, Rep. Phillips spoke on the House Floor in support of the bill and its impact on Minnesota’s Liberian and immigrant communities.
In March, Phillips introduced the bipartisan Protect Our Liberian Community Act with Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), a bill that would give Liberians a three year reprieve as Congress works toward a permanent solution for their immigration status.
Liberians on DED have lived in the United States for 16 years or more and have demonstrated that they are law-abiding and taxpaying. Many own homes and businesses, are parents of American children, and are hardworking employees for health care employers that are already facing critical workforce shortages.