WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) and Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA) introduced the American Dream Employment Act, which would lift the current ban on Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients from working on Capitol Hill. Under current law, employment in the House of Representatives and Senate is only available to those who are US citizens or lawful permanent residents with the intent of naturalizing. As a result, Dreamers—undocumented young people brought to this country through no fault of their own—are barred from obtaining any paid positions in Congressional offices.
“DACA recipients serve our country in the military, they serve their communities as teachers and medical professionals, and they contribute to our economy. Yet mean-spirited rules still prohibit these bright, intelligent young people from serving the public on Capitol Hill,” Stanton said. “I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to give Dreamers the opportunity to shape policies that affect the only country they’ve ever called home.”
“DACA recipients have been raised and educated in this country,” Aguilar said. “These young men and women serve in uniform, teach in schools, start businesses and contribute to the fabric of our communities in every conceivable way. They deserve the same opportunities as other young people, including serving their country in the federal government.”
This bill is supported by CASA, Centro Del Inmigrante, Church World Service, FWD.us, Immigration Hub, Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, Interfaith Welcome Coalition – San Antonio, Network Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, San Bernardino Community Service Center, The Immigration Law Offices of Hadley Bajramovic, TODEC Legal Center and UnidosUS.