This statement can be attributed to Olivia Golden, executive director of the Center for Law and Social Policy.

Washington, D.C., March 27, 2019—Yesterday, two bills were introduced in the Senate to address the crisis the Trump Administration created by removing protections for beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and holders of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The Dream Act of 2019 was reintroduced by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsay Graham(R-SC). The SECURE Act was reintroduced by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ben Cardin (D-MD). Together the bills represent a critical step forward in securing permanent relief and long-term economic security for more than 2 million Dreamers, DACA recipients, TPS and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders, and their families.

Under these bills Dreamers and those with TPS and DED who have called the United States home for decades would be protected from the Trump Administration’s reckless anti-immigrant agenda. These bills provide an attainable pathway to citizenship, allowing families to stay together and continue to thrive. The Dream Act of 2019 is also inclusive of Dreamers who were left out of the DACA program or previous legislative proposals. For example, it includes a separate employment pathway for individuals who are unable to pursue postsecondary education or military service as well as a hardship exception for parents of minor children.

As an anti-poverty organization committed to ensuring the health and well-being of all families in the U.S., CLASP applauds this important development. We are committed to working with our partners to advance this legislation and to continue to fight back against the Trump Administration’s attacks on immigrant children, youth, and families.