House Passage of American Dream and Promise Act of 2019: AAP Statement

“Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Dream and Promise Act of 2019, which would offer long overdue stability and a path to citizenship for immigrants who came to the United States as children and were protected under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status. At a time when immigrant children and families are being separated at the border and throughout the country, detained in unsafe conditions and facing fear and intimidation, this legislation offers an important bright spot, supporting those who have long called our country home.

“The 800,000 immigrants known as DREAMers, who were impacted by the Trump Administration’s decision to rescind the DACA program, have been left in limbo since 2017, not knowing whether they would be able to remain in the United States. They have served our country in uniform, graduated from our colleges and universities, invested in our communities and work in our cities and towns. They have built their lives here, and this legislation finally gives them the stability they deserve and a pathway to citizenship.

“The American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for all children, no matter where they or their parents were born. Today’s action is a reminder that protective immigration policies, like DACA, have a positive impact on child health. We commend the House of Representatives for taking this important first step and urge the U.S. Senate to take action on it immediately.”