Jackson, MI — Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies today called on Congressman Tim Walberg to support and quickly pass H.R. 6, the American Dream and Promise Act. The legislation would enable DREAMers — people who have lived in America since they were children and built their lives here — to earn lawful permanent residence and eventually American citizenship if they meet certain criteria.
“Large employers are now reinforcing what many civil rights advocates have long known: delaying H.R. 6 will cause significant negative economic and social impact on cities across Michigan,” said Mayor Derek DOBIES. “There’s nothing more American than supporting immigration policy that gives people a shot at the American dream — I hope Congressman Walberg can see that fact and make the right decision.”
In March 2019, U.S. Representative Tim Walberg, voted against the American Dream & Promise Act, despite his constituents’ support for DREAMers and the large migrant population working in the region’s agricultural sector. Further, Walberg supported President Trump’s numerous attempts to challenge and terminate DACA.
DREAMers and TPS (Temporary Protected Status) and DED (Deferred Enforced Departure) beneficiaries are longtime residents who call the United States home. The average TPS holder has been here for 22 years, and the average DACA recipient came at age 6. The cultural, economic, and social contributions of the 800,000 DACA recipients and their families to their communities cannot be overstated; particularly during a global pandemic where over 200,000 DACA recipients are working in essential roles including 27,000 in health care positions. Many DREAMers and TPS and DED holders are essential workers, working on the frontline to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and helping to save lives.
“In Jackson we’ve seen these families struggle with food and economic insecurity, while others volunteer with our COVID-19 relief efforts,” said Mayor DOBIES. “Providing a pathway to citizenship for those who are here by no fault of their own is the right thing to do — for DREAMers, for our communities and for our country.”
Mayor Dobies joined the U.S. Conference of Mayors in calling on Congress to pass. H.R. 6 and pledged to do whatever possible to assist in seeing it enacted into law.
Other Mayors signing onto the letter to Congress include Lansing Mayor Andy Schor, Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss, and Livonia Mayor Maureen Miller Brosnan.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer’s office said the House will begin action on both the American Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act as soon as this week: https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2021/3/12/22321668/house-immigration-reform-dream-promise-farm-worker