Moving on Dream and Temporary Protected Status Is the Right Path

WASHINGTON, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) urged Congress to move forward legislation to offer permanent legal status for "Dreamers" - young people brought to America as children - and the thousands of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders whose protections have been put in jeopardy by the administration.

Anastasia Tonello, AILA President stated, "Despite overwhelming support from American voters, Dreamers and TPS-holders are still living in fear and uncertainty. Our country is made better by these individuals who are valued members of our communities. According to research done by the New American Economy, 93.3 percent of the DACA-eligible population is in the labor force, including more than 43,000 entrepreneurs, and 94.1 percent of TPS-holders is in the labor force. Casting out these hardworking aspiring Americans would be counterproductive and hurt our economy. Congress needs to move forward on this legislation now."

AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson agreed, "Together, these groups paid $5.5 billion in state, local, and federal taxes in 2017, and wielded over $25 billion in spending power. They are active, contributing members of communities all across the country. We should be doing everything in our power to welcome them. We ask Congress to heed the will of the 80 percent of Americans who want to protect Dreamers and TPS holders. Congress should recognize the contributions Dreamers, TPS-holders, and DED-holders have made, and move this vital legislation forward."