On February 26, the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 was reintroduced in Congress with bipartisan support. This crucial legislation, championed by both Democrats and Republicans, aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients who have long been integral members of our communities.
The Episcopal Church has consistently advocated for such reform, aligning with the principles embodied in this legislation. The bipartisan support for the American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 reflects a growing consensus on the importance of addressing the status of long-term residents who contribute significantly to our nation's fabric.
The impact of this legislation would be profound. For DACA recipients and TPS holders, it offers a path out of uncertainty and fear, allowing them to fully integrate into the United States. This act would provide stability and security to hundreds of thousands of individuals who have lived in limbo for years, unable to plan for their futures or fully participate in their communities.
Moreover, the act would protect vulnerable populations from deportation to countries they may have little connection to, where they could face significant hardship or danger. For many TPS holders, returning to their countries of origin is not a viable option due to ongoing crises or disasters.
The legislation could benefit up to approximately 580,000 DACA recipients, and an estimated 2.3 million “Dreamers.” Additionally, it would provide opportunities for about 400,000 TPS and DED holders to remain in the country. Contact your members of Congress today and urge them to support the American Dream and Promise Act. Let them know that you, as a constituent and person of faith, believe this legislation is crucial for creating a just and compassionate immigration system. Encourage them to cosponsor the bill if they haven't already, as co-sponsorship can improve its chances of getting a vote in committee or before the full chamber.
Additional Resources:
Fact Sheet Dream and Promise Act - The Immigration Hub
The difference between ‘DACA’ and ‘Dreamers’: A primer
Episcopal Church Resolutions:
2018-D009 - Set Forth Christian Principles to Guide Responses to Human Migration
2012-D067 - Support the DREAM Act
2009-B006 - Advocate for Immigration Reform
2024-C031 - Migration with Dignity
1985-D113 - Request Congress to Reform Immigration Legislation - Urge Church-Wide Assistance to Undocumented Persons
2015-D079 - Urge Church-Wide Assistance to Undocumented Persons