Coalition encourages bipartisan legislation to protect and provide a path forward for DACA recipients
As a recognized member of the Coalition For the American Dream, which comprises more than 100 of the nation's top businesses and trade associations, Envoy Global joins the coalition in its endorsement of H.R. 6, The Dream and Promise Act and calls on members of Congress in both parties to pass the bill.
Sponsored by U.S. Representative Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) and coauthored by Representatives Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) and Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), this legislation provides foreign nationals protected from deportation under the Deferred Action For Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program the opportunity to earn lawful permanent residence and ultimately American citizenship if they meet certain requirements.
"As Members of Congress vote on H.R. 6 this week, we encourage them to consider the critical role these young people play in our workforce, industries, and communities across the country," the Coalition said in a statement.
Providing a path to residency for DACA recipients will benefit employers across the country as well as the broader U.S. economy. According to the coalition, research shows that failure to enact reform in this area could cost the U.S. economy $350 billion in GDP. Furthermore, research from New American Economy has found that 90% of the DACA-eligible population in the U.S. is within working years, and their employment rate is over 95%.
"Immigrants also play a key role in the economy, and as the U.S. faces an uncertain road to recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this is no time to turn our back on valuable members of our workforce," Envoy CEO Dick Burke said. "Passing this legislation would be a win for Dreamers and the employers who rely on them."
The Dream and Promise Act was introduced by Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in February to strengthen protections for DACA recipients as part of the Biden administration's initiative for comprehensive immigration reform.
