A coalition of lawmakers has reintroduced the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025, aiming to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, known as Dreamers. The bill also seeks permanent legal status for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders.
“Dreamers are American in every way but on paper,” said Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), one of the bill’s sponsors. The legislation, backed by 201 congressional cosponsors and nearly 120 advocacy groups, was introduced by a bipartisan group including Reps. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), and Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL).
If enacted, the bill would grant Dreamers conditional permanent residency for ten years, protect them from deportation, and provide a pathway to full lawful status. It would also allow TPS and DED recipients to apply for permanent residency. Additionally, Dreamers could access federal financial aid and apply for relief even if living outside the U.S.
Supporters emphasize the economic benefits of the legislation. The Center for American Progress estimates that granting citizenship to Dreamers could boost the U.S. GDP by $799 billion over the next decade. DACA recipients alone contribute billions in federal, state, and local taxes despite being ineligible for federal benefits.
Advocates stress the urgency of passing the bill, particularly amid calls for stricter immigration policies. “Dreamers are an essential part of our communities,” said Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA). “They deserve the opportunity to be Americans.”
While previous versions of the bill have stalled in Congress, lawmakers remain hopeful that growing public support will drive action.
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