Today, on the 9th anniversary of DACA, the Senate Judiciary held a committee hearing on H.R.6, the “American Dream and Promise Act of 2021.”
Senator Durbin, a long-time champion for Dreamers, opened the hearing highlighting the tremendous impact that DACAmented individuals have on our country. However, in the nine years since the creation of DACA nothing has changed for its recipients as it remains a temporary program filled with uncertainty regarding future status. Senator Durbin demanded that Congress pass the “American Dream and Promise Act,” to put an end to the limbo status of DACA, TPS, and DED-holders.
.@SenatorDurbin has been a champion for Dreamers for more than a decade and recalls the impact of DACA for 9 years. He demands a permanent solution to a temporary program.
"Over the years, the Dream Act has been a victim of the filibuster in the senate five times" pic.twitter.com/IjErwuDUX7
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) June 15, 2021
.@SenatorDurbin: "We need a functioning immigration system that welcomes immigrants… the challenges we face at the border are not an excuse for inaction." #DACA #WeAreHome #DreamAndPromiseAct #ImmigrantHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/mVfvKkwmV3
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) June 15, 2021
Senator Padilla joined this sentiment, emphasizing that Dreamers, TPS holders, and others have waited too long for a permanent solution, and many have stood at the frontlines of the pandemic without a path to citizenship.
.@AlexPadilla4CA : "Dreamers, TPS holders, and others have been waiting too long… The American people are calling on us to pass permanent protection to people they call doctors, teachers, parents…" pic.twitter.com/L8jZNsTf4h
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) June 15, 2021
As always, Senator Cornyn followed his usual pattern of disappointment as he once again reminded the committee that he supports DACA but does not believe in creating a pathway to citizenship for its recipients. This is a long-time pattern of Senator Cornyn’s classic “Cornyn Con,” in which he pretends to support immigrants until it’s time to vote on reform.
The witnesses before the committee were the main highlight of the hearing, as they explained the dire need to assure their safety and that of their fellow undocumented family members and friends. Dr. Manuel Bernal Mejia, a resident at Advocate Christ Medical Center in Chicago who saves lives every day in his role, explained that his future remains uncertain as a DACA recipient.
First witness is Dr. Manuel Bernal Mejia, Emergency Medicine Resident at Advocate Christ Medical Center in
Chicago, IL:"Day after day, I provide critical care to save American lives on the frontlines of the pandemic, even as my own future in this country remains uncertain." pic.twitter.com/pdtxJ2Yx6E
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) June 15, 2021
In his witness statement, Honorable Leon Rodriguez reiterated that DACA was only meant as a stopgap measure and that we are well “past the time to implement a durable solution to the situation of the Dreamers that enables them to fully contribute to U.S.”
The Honorable Leon Rodriguez Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Washington, D.C.:
"I think we reached the point where must simply get this done… For them to live at the mercy of bi-annual DACA renewals… is an unacceptable reality" #DACA #WeAreHome #ImmigrantHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/ryecP5HtLo
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) June 15, 2021
Mr. Rony Ponthieux, a TPS holder and registered nurse at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami Gardens, FL, has worked through the COVID-19 pandemic, making sure that American lives are protected. Yet, Mr. Ponthieux does not have permanent protection with TPS:
Mr. Rony Ponthieux: "My family risks their lives for this country. We have served this country and feel that we are Americans, but our immigration status has remained temporary."#TPS #WeAreHome #ImmigrantHeritageMonth pic.twitter.com/Ky33kNjmkn
— America's Voice (@AmericasVoice) June 15, 2021
It is time for Congress to create a permanent solution and stop extending temporary programs that ultimately halt actual change. Undocumented individuals have started families, engaged with their communities, and helped individuals regardless of their status, despite not being entitled to the full rights of citizenship. It is time to pass the “Dream and Promise Act” to finally give this community peace of mind and freedom.
