Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03)voted to pass H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, and H.R. 1603, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, two long overdue pieces of legislation to modernize and reform America’s immigration system and secure permanent protections and a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have been, and will continue to be, key to the economic recovery of the nation.

“As the granddaughter of immigrants, I am connected to the journey so many people have made to seek out a better life for themselves and their loved ones. It’s because of my family’s sacrifices that I was the first to graduate from college – something my grandparents never could have dreamed of – and eventually go on to represent the same community they settled in as strangers decades ago. My grandfather’s Certificate of Naturalization hangs in my office today as a reminder of what’s possible in our great nation, and my vote for these historic pieces of legislation is a vote to ensure folks like my grandparents have that same chance,” said Congresswoman Trahan.

The American Dream and Promise Act provides relief to our nation’s Dreamers, as well as to many Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders who fled ongoing armed conflict and other extraordinary conditions to come to this country and who have been contributing to the American economy and communities they call home for years and are employed at high rates in industries that often struggle to find sufficient U.S. workers. Specifically, H.R. 6:

• Establishes a process for eligible Dreamers to be granted conditional lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for 10 years if they meet specific criteria, including residency and age requirements, pass security and law enforcement background checks, and have obtained at least a high school degree or equivalent educational achievement.
• Creates a path to LPR status for eligible TPS and DED holders who meet residency requirements and have not committed any acts, including criminal convictions, that would disqualify them for relief.

A fact sheet on the American Dream and Promise Act, including a broad coalition of supporting organizations and specific requirements for eligible Dreamers and TPS and DED recipients, can be accessed by clicking HERE.

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act provides stability, predictability, and fairness to the workers who feed America. Specifically, H.R. 1603:

• Establishes a program for agricultural workers, their spouses and minor children can earn legal Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) status through continued agricultural employment.
• Reforms the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program to provide more flexibility for employers while ensuring critical protections for workers.
• Establishes a mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system to ensure compliance with the reformed H-2A visa program while also protecting workers’ due process rights.

A fact sheet on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, including specific requirements for eligible program participants, can be accessed by clicking HERE.

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