The House passed (228-197) the Dream and Promise Act, which grants legal status and a path to citizenship to roughly 2.5 million illegal immigrants who came to the US as children (so-called Dreamers) and similarly provides a path to citizenship for individuals from nations who are in the U.S. under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) protections.

“As a co-author of the original Dream Act, and as the congresswoman for the district with the nation's largest Dreamer population, it is a privilege to lead the introduction of the Dream and Promise Act,” said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard.  “I have seen firsthand the love that our Dreamers have for our country.  They are our neighbors and colleagues who help strengthen our communities.  They are students, scientists, researchers, and small business owners.  Our Dream and Promise Act recognizes the contributions and patriotism of Dreamers, TPS recipients, and DED beneficiaries by helping them stay in America, pursue a path to citizenship, and keep strengthening our great country.  I look forward to fighting for the passage of this pivotal legislation in the House, and making it the law of the land.”

Democrats say the bill is a matter of fairness to those who have lived in the United States since they were children and built their lives here, and who know no other home. 

Opponents argue that any legislation on DACA must secure the border with a wall, it must give our immigration officers the resources they need to stop illegal immigration, and also to stop visa overstays, and crucially, the legislation must end chain migration. It must end the visa lottery. We want DACA to happen. We all, everybody, I think I can speak for everybody, we all want DACA to happen, but we also want great security for our country. Our current immigration systems fails Americans. We'd love to take care of DACA but we're only going to do it under these conditions. In addition, the CBO estimates it would increase budget deficits by $34.6 billion.

Republicans say the bill amounts to little more than a political stunt and that the House should instead be considering legislation to address the growing crisis at the southern border.

Should Congress pass H.R.6, the American Dream and Promise Act, providing a path to citizenship for DACA, TPS and DED recipients?