Rev. Terri Hord Owens publicly stated support for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients on Monday when she said:
"The Dream and Promise Act offers stability to replace vulnerability, and family unity to replace fractures and fears that will exist until we have policies that allow our immigrant neighbors to pursue education, develop careers, and raise families without constant threats of deportation.”
Then, in an historic vote early Tuesday night, "The American Dream and Promise Act" passed 237-187 out of the House of Representatives. The vote left dreamers, TPS holders, and DED recipients with fresh hope for permanent protections and an eventual path to citizenship. Similar versions of the bill have been introduced for the past 18 years.
Hundreds of affected community members packed the House Chambers to listen to the two hours of debate about the bill. Conversations reached a climax in the closing argument by Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse. Neguse spoke of his parents' history as refugees from Eritrea, and passionately quoted President Ronald Reagan's support for immigrants as essential to the identity of the United States.
Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries was present at the Capitol as advocates expressed gratefulness--and began to turn attention towards the Senate. As yet, the Senate has not expressed openness to bring the bill to the floor.
Go
here
and
here
and
here
for more congregational resources about Dreamers, TPS, and DED recipients.
Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Sharon Stanley-Rea, Director,
Disciples Refugee & Immigration Ministries
