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 – Today, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) joined the introduction of legislation to protect Dreamers and individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The Dream and Promise Act allows Dreamers and individuals with TPS to legally contribute fully in the country they love and know to be their home by providing a path forward to citizenship.

In Michigan, TPS is critically important for many communities. TPS allows individuals from nations experiencing war, natural disasters, or extraordinary circumstances to live and work in the United States on a temporary basis.

“Immigrants are deep-rooted in our communities and have contributed significantly to our democracy and culture. Southeast Michigan and my hometown of Dearborn are symbols of how much they are a part of who we are,” said Dingell. “We are dealing with two important issues. Young people who are Americans in every way. Dreamers contribute to so many essential functions, pay taxes, and serve in the military. They came as children and this is the only country they know and they are now scared to death.

“Others came this country under TPS protections looking for a better life and fleeing unsafe, life-threatening situations; many women who faced violent, heartbreaking circumstances. Most of us have grandparents or other family who came to this country generations ago seeking the dream and hope this country has to offer. We need to fix our broken immigration system. Immigrants are Americans in every way and the Dream and Promise Act fulfills the promise that if you work hard and give back to your community you can thrive here.”

The Dream and Promise Act would provide a pathway to citizenship for eligible Dreamers who entered the U.S. under the age of 18 and who were continuously present in the U.S. for 4 years prior to the date of the bill’s enactment.  Dreamers would be provided conditional permanent resident status and would need to fulfill an education, employment, or military track to adjust to permanent resident status. In addition, the Dream and Promise Act would secure permanent residency for people with TPS and DED.  After 5 years, those permanent residents would be eligible to apply to become citizens.  On average, TPS recipients have lived in the United States for 20 years, building a new life for themselves and their families.  Similarly, DED recipients have lived in the United States and contributed to their communities since 2007.  People with TPS and DED are just as American as Dreamers, working hard every day to pursue their American Dream. 

This bill is designed to promote justice and fairness for Dreamers, and for the TPS and DED holders who had fled brutality, violence and natural disasters many years ago to come to this country. 

Dingell has led her colleagues in calling on the Administration to re-designate TPS for Yemen due to the ongoing armed conflict within the country. TPS status was set to expire on July 5, 2018. The Trump Administration extended protections to allow eligible individuals to re-register for an extension of their status for 18 months, through March 3, 2020.

During the designated period, eligible nationals of Yemen (and people without nationality who last habitually resided in Yemen) who are approved for TPS will not be removed from the United States. For more information about the application process and eligibility requirements, please visit www.ucis.gov/tps. Members of the community who need assistance should contact Dingell’s Dearborn office at 313-278-2936. 

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