With tensions between the political parties ever growing, the new developments regarding immigration will only add to these disputes. The American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 was introduced to the House of Representatives on March 12, 2019 and subsequently passed in the House on June 4, 2019.
The Act proposes to cancel proceedings that would initiate the removal of illegal aliens and instead grant them conditional residence status for ten years. Furthermore, the bill intends to prevent states from denying certain higher educational benefits. However, the Act does require specific qualifications to be met, such as presence within the United States and the completion of educational programs.
Moreover, the bill is a supplement to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program (DACA), which was created under the Obama administration. The American Dream and Promise Act would continue to protect young immigrants, known as “Dreamers,” who were brought to the United States illegally as children and are currently being protected under DACA. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has stated that two million undocumented immigrants would obtain legal status, which would cost around $30 billion over the next decade due to their qualification for federal benefits.
While Democrats are in full support of the Act, Republicans have many critiques based on their demands on immigration. With the passing of the legislation within the House, there is a severe concern of there not being enough provisions in regards to border security. Furthermore, the bill incentivizes and encourages illegal immigration by presenting the reward of citizenship.
While the argument for humanitarianism has also been introduced, it does not account for the concept of accountability. By protecting illegal immigrants, this bill attacks the credibility of the United States and conveys the perception of softness on crime. Finally, the Act will inhibit the incentives behind legal immigration and essentially eliminate U.S. border security.
