The American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act were passed in House on March 19, 2021. These two measures need to pass the Senate before becoming law.
The American Dream and Promise Act would allow young undocumented immigrants to seek lawful permanent residency if they pass background checks and meet requirements related to education, employment or military service. Along with Dreamers, certain people with Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure would also be eligible. The bill passed on a 228-197 vote, with nine Republicans joining all Democrats in support. Over 2.1 million DREAMERS will benefit from this bill if passed into law.
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act was the other bill that was passed by the House. This measure would allow undocumented agricultural workers who pass background checks get temporary legal status that can be renewed indefinitely with continued farm employment. Veteran farm workers would have a path to seek lawful permanent residency. It won approval on a 247-174 vote, with 30 Republicans joining all Democrats in support.
The fact that two immigration bills passed in the House indicates that legislators are more likely to support a piecemeal approach towards immigration reform. Immigration advocates need to work together and urge their representatives in Congress to support the Citizenship Act of 2021, the bill that will, among other provisions, provide a pathway to U.S. citizenship to millions of undocumented immigrants who pass background checks and have been long time productive citizens.
