March 22, 2021
By Ashana K. Nandram, Esq.
On March 18, 2021, the House of Representative approved two legislations, the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which both provide pathways to citizenship for Dreamers and farmworkers respectively.
The term “Dreamers” refers to young undocumented people who were brought to the United States as children, and have lived most of their lives in the United States. If the Dream and Promise Act also passes in the United States Senate, then about four million Dreamers will be provided with a pathway to citizenship. Many young people who have been living and working in the United States legally under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be eligible for citizenship should this bill become a law. DACA allows for only young undocumented people to work legally in the United States and provides protection from deportation. Immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) will also be allowed to apply for citizenship.
Similarly, if the Farm Workforce Modernization Act becomes a law, more seasonal farmworkers will be able to come to the United States for work. These workers will be able to apply for lawful status and enjoy better working conditions.
We will remain hopeful that these two bills can pass the United States Senate and become laws, since many undocumented immigrants will be provided with a pathway to lawful status.
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