American Dream and Promise Act of 2023
3/14/2024, 4:05 AMSummary of Bill HR 16
The American Dream and Promise Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 16, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress. The bill aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for certain undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, often referred to as Dreamers.Under the provisions of the bill, eligible individuals would be able to apply for conditional permanent resident status, which would eventually lead to full citizenship if certain requirements are met. These requirements include passing background checks, demonstrating good moral character, and meeting education or military service requirements.
In addition to providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, the American Dream and Promise Act also seeks to protect individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). These individuals would also be eligible to apply for permanent resident status and eventually citizenship under the bill. The bill has received bipartisan support in Congress, with proponents arguing that it is a compassionate and practical solution to the issue of undocumented immigrants who were brought to the US as children. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential costs and logistical challenges of implementing the bill. Overall, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 represents an important step towards addressing the status of undocumented immigrants in the United States and providing a pathway to citizenship for those who have long called this country their home.
Congressional Summary of HR 16
American Dream and Promise Act of 2023
This bill provides certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) with a path to receive permanent resident status and contains other immigration-related provisions.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the Department of Justice (DOJ) shall provide conditional permanent resident status for 10 years to a qualifying individual who entered the United States as a minor and (1) is deportable or inadmissible, (2) has deferred enforced departure (DED) status or temporary protected status (TPS), or (3) is the child of certain classes of nonimmigrants. The bill imposes various qualifying requirements, such as the individual being continuously physically present in the United States since January 1, 2021, passing a background check, and being enrolled in or having completed certain educational programs.
DHS shall remove the conditions placed on permanent resident status granted under this bill if the alien applies and meets certain requirements, such as completing certain programs at an educational institution, serving in the military, or being employed.
Furthermore, DHS and DOJ shall provide lawful permanent resident status to certain individuals who had TPS, were eligible for TPS, or were eligible for DED status on certain dates. Such individuals must meet certain requirements and apply for such status within three years of this bill's enactment.
DHS may not use information from applications filed under this bill or for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status for immigration enforcement purposes.
This bill also repeals a restriction that bars a state from providing higher education benefits to undocumented individuals unless those benefits are available to all U.S. nationals without regard to residency in the state.
