U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative:
On behalf of our 3 million members and the 50 million students they serve, we urge you to support the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603)—important steps toward creating a fair immigration process that upholds America’s values and commitment to liberty and justice for all. Votes on this issue may be included in NEA’s Report Card for the 117th Congress.
H.R. 6 would provide a 13-year path to citizenship for more than 4 million undocumented immigrants, including Dreamers brought to the United States when they were 18 or younger and recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) continuously in the United States since Jan. 1, 2021. Eligible individuals would get conditional legal status immediately and could earn a green card by meeting requirements like earning a college degree or serving in the military. They would also gain access to federal financial aid and in-state tuition.
In addition, H.R. 6 would cancel removal proceedings for individuals living in the United States for at least three years who had Temporary Protected Status (TPS) on Sept. 17, 2017 or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) status on Jan. 20, 2021. They could apply for a green card immediately and for citizenship five years after receiving a green card.
H.R. 1603 would help an additional 2.4 million undocumented farm workers, as well as their spouses and minor children. They could apply for Certified Agricultural Worker (CAW) status, which could be renewed indefinitely, and earn a path to a green card—for themselves and their families—by paying a $1,000 fee and continuing agricultural work for at least four years. The bill would also provide peace of mind for the children of undocumented farm workers—they would no longer need to worry that their parents might not come home from work.
America’s strength comes from our diverse and vibrant population, made up of people from all backgrounds and races. We need an immigration system that is humane, functional, and just—one that respects all people, no matter their ZIP code, race, religion or birthplace. Please VOTE YES on this vitally important legislation.
Sincerely,
Marc Egan
Director of Government Relations
National Education Association
