BRIDGE Act

Build Responsible Infrastructure Development for the Global Economy Act or the BRIDGE Act

This bill requires the Department of State to report to Congress on China's Belt and Road Initiative and U.S. efforts to counter the initiative. (The initiative is a Chinese government effort to boost infrastructure development and expand China's influence across most of the globe.)

Within one year of the bill's passage, the State Department must also report to Congress a plan to implement a detailed strategy for the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Department of Commerce to coordinate resources to counter the initiative.

The BRIDGE Act, also known as Bill 118 hr 5565, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress that aims to provide temporary relief to undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. The acronym BRIDGE stands for Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy Act.

The main purpose of the BRIDGE Act is to protect individuals who were previously covered under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which was rescinded by the Trump administration in 2017. The BRIDGE Act would allow these individuals, often referred to as Dreamers, to continue living and working in the United States without the fear of deportation for a period of three years.

The legislation also includes provisions that would allow Dreamers to apply for work permits and travel authorization, giving them the opportunity to contribute to the US economy and society. Additionally, the BRIDGE Act would provide a pathway for Dreamers to eventually apply for permanent residency and citizenship. Supporters of the BRIDGE Act argue that it is a compassionate and practical solution to the ongoing issue of immigration reform, as it provides stability and security for individuals who have grown up in the United States and consider it their home. Critics, however, raise concerns about the potential impact on the US economy and the rule of law. Overall, the BRIDGE Act represents an important step towards addressing the complex and contentious issue of immigration in the United States, and its passage would have significant implications for the lives of thousands of Dreamers across the country.