The San Diego-based Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) has welcomed a move by Texas Democratic Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia to force a US House vote on the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act.
Garcia has launched a discharge petition that, if signed by 218 House members, would bypass Republican leadership and bring the legislation to the floor.
HBA Executive Director Guerline Jozef said the bill would provide long-overdue protections for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients.
‘These individuals have worked, raised families, paid taxes, and strengthened this country,’ Jozef said. ‘Congress must act to ensure families are not torn apart and provide a permanent path forward.’
The legislation would create a pathway to citizenship for eligible Dreamers and allow qualifying TPS and DED recipients to obtain lawful permanent resident status. It has previously passed the House with bipartisan support in 2019 and 2021.
Garcia said the measure is urgently needed, arguing that Dreamers and longtime TPS holders are increasingly at risk of detention and deportation under the Trump administration.
The initiative has also received backing from Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Adriano Espaillat, and immigration advocacy group FWD.us, all of whom urged lawmakers from both parties to sign the petition and allow the House to vote on the legislation.