18 MARCH 2021

Immigration Hub Statement on Passage of the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Below is a statement from Sergio Gonzales, Executive Director of the Immigration Hub, on the passage of the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act by the House of Representatives:

“Today is a great day for immigrant communities, advocates and allies in our fight for a just and humane immigration system. We are elated that the House of Representatives passed both the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act with bipartisan support. These bills would provide a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders and farmworkers, many of whom have been absolutely critical to helping America get through a historic pandemic by treating our sick, caring for our loved ones and making sure we have food at our tables. For too long, especially over the last four years, immigrant communities have been forced to live in fear that they could be deported at any moment. Today’s vote is also a critical step towards our goal of establishing a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented people living in the U.S.

“We thank the bill sponsors and Speaker Pelosi for prioritizing these critical proposals. We also applaud Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) for their announcement today of their work to introduce the Senate companion to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The Senate must swiftly take up both bills to ensure they are signed by President Biden into law and provide permanent protections for immigrant communities.”

Sara Gomez Horta, a DACA recipient and Digital and Partnerships Manager at the Immigration Hub said:

“Today, I join millions of undocumented youth in celebrating this joyous step towards finally making the Dream and Promise Act the law of the land. After the terror unleashed by the Trump administration over the last four years, my community shares a sigh of relief while recognizing that this job is far from done. Given the uncertainty from pending federal court cases that threaten to dismantle DACA and the need to protect essential frontline workers in agriculture, it is critical that the Senate take up these two important bills for their immediate consideration.

“It’s also important to recognize that this moment was made possible by immigrant youth, Black organizers and allies who mobilized voters and delivered wins for the Biden administration and Democratic majorities in both chambers of Congress. This time around, it is not enough to simply pass a bill in the House alone. We will continue raising our voices until Congress enacts the Dream and Promise Act, the Farmwork Modernization Act and other bills to establish a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented immigrants who have long called this country home.”

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The Immigration Hub is a national organization dedicated to advancing fair and just immigration policies through strategic leadership, innovative communications strategies, legislative advocacy and collaborative partnerships.