Washington, D.C. – Today Representative Dina Titus of Nevada’s First Congressional District released the following statement after voting to pass the American Dream and Promise Act, H.R. 6:

“DREAMers and TPS recipients are essential members of the Las Vegas community,” said Congresswoman Titus (NV-1). “They are nurses, teachers, and entrepreneurs – and more importantly they are our colleagues, neighbors, and friends. Many DREAMers and TPS recipients in Southern Nevada have served on the front lines of this pandemic and these communities will be key to our economic recovery. 

“The symbol of the United States must remain the Statue of Liberty. That means welcoming those who are American in every way except a piece of paper and providing refuge to those who are fleeing violence and persecution.”

In Nevada, the Dream and Promise Act would protect approximately 40,300 immigrants from the threat of deportation. These eligible immigrants and their households contribute $234,500,000 in federal taxes and $102,700,000 in state and local taxes each year.

The legislation establishes a process for eligible DREAMers to be granted conditional lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for 10 years if they:  

• Have been continuously physically present in the U.S. since January 1, 2021;  
• Were age 18 or younger on the initial date of entry into the U.S.;
• Are not inadmissible on national security or criminal grounds;
• Graduate from high school, obtain a GED or industry-recognized credential; or are in a program assisting students to obtain a high school diploma, GED or equivalent exam, or are in an apprenticeship program.
• Pass security and law enforcement background checks and pay a reasonable application fee.  

Then, in order to gain full LPR status, under H.R. 6 DREAMers must:  

• Acquire a degree from a U.S. institution of higher education; or complete at least two years in good standing in a bachelor’s or higher degree program or in an area career and technical education program at a post-secondary level in the U.S.; or
• Complete at least two years of military service, and if discharged, received an honorable discharge; or
• Be employed for periods of time totaling at least three years and at least 75 percent of the time the person was authorized for employment.

Under H.R. 6, a Dreamer who has obtained full LPR status must then wait another five years before applying for citizenship.

The legislation also creates a path to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status for individuals who:  

• Had or were eligible for TPS on January 1, 2017, or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) on January 20, 2021;  
• Have not committed any acts that would disqualify them for relief under these programs, including any felony conviction or more than one misdemeanor conviction; and
• Have been continuously present in the United States for a period not less than three years.

Under H.R. 6, a TPS or DED individual who has obtained LPR status must then wait another five years before applying for citizenship.