WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-5) joined Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) and Members of the House Democratic Caucus to reintroduce the American Dream and Promise Act, a bill that will provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS (Temporary Protected Status) recipients, and DED (Deferred Enforced Departure) beneficiaries. Below is a transcript of her remarks:
"I am so proud to be here with all of you today to celebrate [the] refiling of this critical bill for our country and for its future.
"I want to thank Chairman Aguilar for all of his leadership around immigration and making a system that works for everyone in this country.
"And I especially want to thank my trailblazing friend, Sylvia Garcia. As Chief Deputy Whip, you are an invaluable partner to me and to our entire Caucus. And as champion of the American Dream and Promise Act, you are a force for basic, bipartisan, American values. Ideas that transcend ideology and politics — ideas that are core to who we are as a people.
"The idea that kids and adults should be free to live in the only country they have ever called home. The idea that our neighbors who have fled their homes — have followed the rules, done everything right — deserve safety, dignity, and opportunity to build a future for themselves and for their families.
"Dreamers serve in our military. They're teachers. Our health care providers. They are integral to our communities. And in Massachusetts, our 12,000 Dreamers contribute over $130 million annually in taxes paid. They are American in all the ways that matter. And now, it is up to us to clean up the paperwork and give them the citizenship they deserve.
"Members on both sides of the aisle talk about supporting our Dreamers. While the talk and support is great, now is the time to act. We want everyone to act by voting for this Dream and Promise Act. Let's bring it to the Floor, and let's get it done.
"I thank everyone who is standing here today in support of this commonsense legislation that is crucial to who we are as an American people. Let’s bring it to a vote."
To watch the full speech, click HERE.
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