Rep. Jimmy Gomez Co-Sponsors “American Hope Act”Bill Protects Young Immigrants from Deportation by Trump Administration
Washington, DC,
July 28, 2017
Today, Congressman Jimmy Gomez (D – Los Angeles) co-sponsored ‘The American Hope Act’ introduced by Congressman Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL).
The bill would provide a permanent legislative solution to the immigration status of countless ‘DREAMers’ - undocumented immigrants who came to the country at a young age. Over 800,000 DREAMers are currently protected from deportation by President Obama’s 2012 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), but the future of DACA has become uncertain following indications that the Trump Administration may end or refuse to defend the program from legal challenges. The American Hope Act would create a pathway for current DACA recipients and thousands of other DREAMers to earn permanent legal residency and eventual citizenship if they meet certain requirements, regardless of whether the Trump Administration chooses to continue or end the DACA program. “The American Hope Act is a critical step to reforming our immigration system,” said Congressman Jimmy Gomez. “Whether they are seeking a college degree, working in a restaurant, raising a family, or serving in our military, this bill would allow countless undocumented young people the chance to finally earn legal status.” “If President Trump rescinds the DACA program, he will upend the lives of thousands of young people, severely harm the economy, and rip countless families apart. We must act proactively to prevent such a dire future from becoming a reality. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us in passing the American Hope Act.” ### |
