Educators welcome affirmative solution with reintroduction of the American Dream and Promise Act

WASHINGTON—Today, the American Dream and Promise Act was reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Amidst threats and attacks on people who move seeking a better life and contribute to this country, this legislation offers an affirmative solution instead of demonizing and pushing people for the choices they make. The bill would create a pathway to citizenship for certain DACA recipients, immigrant youth, and some individuals with Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure. 

The following statement can be attributed to NEA President Becky Pringle: 

“Whether we’re born here or moved to make America our home, most of us do what it takes to make a better life for our families. We work, sacrifice, and even pack up everything to put food on the table, provide for our loved ones, or send our kids to great schools. But today, anti-immigrant and anti-public education politicians stoke fear against new immigrants—including our students and DACAmented educators—to distract us from the real issues facing America.

“The good news is that the reintroduction of the American Dream and Promise Act is a timely and necessary step in the right direction towards ensuring a pathway to citizenship for many new immigrants and DACA recipients including an estimated 15,000 educators who are working in our nation’s schools. We encourage the U.S. House of Representatives to follow the lead of Rep. Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), who introduced the bill, and do what is right and just. 

“Educators won’t be silent as anti-immigrant politicians demonize our students, educators, and communities for political gain. Together with parents and allies, we will support political leaders who put real solutions forward to create a fair immigration process for all families. We will continue to organize, advocate, and mobilize so that all students, regardless of the language they speak, place or birth, or ZIP code, have the opportunities to grow into their full brilliance.” 

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. Learn more at www.nea.org.