US House passes key bills for dreamers, immigrants

Washington: THE US House of Representatives has passed two key bills that would create a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants, some migrant farm workers and children whose parents immigrated legally to the country, like those under the H-1B visa programme. The passage of the American Dream and Promise Act of 2021, by the House on Thursday by 228-197 votes, was welcomed by the President Joe Biden, who described it as a critical first step in reforming the country's immigration system.

It will provide much-needed relief to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Dreamers, young people who came here as children and know no other country, Biden said. "I support this bill and commend the House of Representatives for passing this important legislation," Biden said in a statement. Dreamers are basically undocumented immigrants who enter the US as children with parents. There are nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants, including over 500,000 from India, according to a policy document issued by the Biden campaign in November last. Among others, the bill also provides relief for "legal dreamers," the foreign-born children of many non-immigrant workers, including those on H-1B, who lose their legal status once they attain 21 years of age, which would allow many other promising young people to pursue their version of the "American Dream." The H-1B visa, the most sought after among Indian IT professionals, is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries such as India and China. The bill now moves to the Senate, which needs to pass the legislation before it can be signed into law by Biden. "My administration looks forward to working together with Congress to do the right thing for Dreamers and TPS holders who contribute so much to our country, and to building a 21st century immigration system that is grounded in dignity, safety, and fairness... to create a path to citizenship for the undocumented population in the United States," Biden said.

The American Dream and Promise Act establishes a path to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for DACA recipients and for certain individuals who either held or were eligible for TPS or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). The majority of these individuals have been in the United States for much of their lives, often with work authorisation and temporary protections against deportation. "Five years after attaining full LPR status, individuals are then eligible to apply for citizenship, a path that is supported by nearly 75 per cent of the American public...," Indian American Congressman Ami Bera said.

This legislation is protecting Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients, honours the truth that immigrants are the constant reinvigoration of our country, when they come here with their hopes and dreams and aspirations, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said.