CAPAC Applauds Introduction of Dream and Promise Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) joined House Democrats in introducing H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act of 2019. The bill, which was co-authored by Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Yvette Clarke (D-NY), provides protection from deportation, work authorization, and a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders. CAPAC Chair Judy Chu (D-CA) and CAPAC Second Vice Chair Mark Takano (D-CA) released the following statements:
Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:
“This is an historic day. With the introduction of the Dream and Promise Act, the new Democratic majority is proudly acting on our of top priorities, creating a pathway for Dreamers, TPS, and DED holders to continue to contribute and work in our country with dignity and security. For many of these individuals, America is the only home they’ve ever known. We know that they are American in every way and do not deserve to be used as hostages in political games by a xenophobic president.
“As the Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I know that this bill is particularly important to the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Seventy percent of Asian Americans are immigrants. Although AAPIs make up six percent of the entire U.S. population, we are 16 percent of the undocumented in this country. That means there are 1.6 million undocumented Asian Americans who urgently need relief from the President’s xenophobic threats to tear apart immigrant families. This includes community organizers, artists, activists, scientists, and more. These young people are the future of our nation. They have grown up here, learned here, contributed here, and planned their futures here. Deporting them now simply because they were born someplace else would tear apart communities and rob us of talent and passion. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor this important bill.”
Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:
“America is a promise – a promise of freedom, justice, and opportunity – and to be an American is not defined by your immigration status, but by a set of values we all share. Dreamers and TPS recipients are emblematic of what it means to be an American – to play by the rules, contribute to our society, work hard, and serve our country. The Dream and Promise Act will give Dreamers and TPS recipients the opportunity to continue building their lives, raising their families, and contributing to their communities in the country that is now their home.
“I am also proud to have represented the AAPI community in the official introduction of this legislation. 1 in 7 Asian immigrants are undocumented, but they are often left out of the immigration conversation – they are not invisible, their stories deserve to be heard. By introducing this legislation, our friends and neighbors know that they are welcome here – by passing it, we will show our immigrant communities that we have the political courage to stand up for them. Thank you to my colleagues for working on this important issue, together we will ensure that Dreamers and TPS recipients are here to stay.”
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The Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) is comprised of Members of Congress of Asian and Pacific Islander descent and Members who have a strong dedication to promoting the well-being of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Currently chaired by Congresswoman Judy Chu, CAPAC has been addressing the needs of the AAPI community in all areas of American life since it was founded in 1994.