Crist Applauds Passage of American Dream and Promise Act

Press Release

U.S. Representative Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg) released the following statement on passage of H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act, which would offer a pathway to citizenship for immigrants living and working in the U.S. through Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). The bill passed on a 237-187 vote with 230 Democrats and 7 Republicans voting in favor.

"Today, the House took the first step in bringing 2.5 million people out of the shadows, creating a pathway to citizenship. Dreamers and TPS holders are Americans in every way, except on paper. Brought by their families to the United States in search of a better life, many Dreamers were small children when they first arrived in the states, and have built their lives knowing the U.S. as their only home.

"Dreamers and TPS holders are our neighbors, colleagues, friends, sometimes even family. They strengthen our communities and bring immense value to our economy, all in the hopes of achieving the American Dream. Too often, Dreamers and TPS holders had no choice but to flee their countries ravaged by armed conflict, corruption, and natural disasters. Too often, they have no place to truly call home.

"I voted in support of H.R. 6 today to say to Dreamers and TPS holders all over the country -- America is your home. To the nearly 200,000 immigrants living in Florida and eligible for a pathway to citizenship under this legislation, I'm proud to be your voice in the People's Congress. To my Republican colleagues in the Senate, I urge you to do what is right and welcome these Dreamers and TPS holders -- our neighbors -- home."

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