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Costa Statement on Re-Introduction of Dream and Promise Act, Farm Workforce Modernization Act

March 4, 2021

(WASHINGTON) – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-16) released the following statement after the re-introduction of the Dream and Promise Act and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, separate pieces of legislation that aims to provide a path to citizenship for hardworking immigrants. Rep. Costa is an original co-sponsor of both bills:

DREAM AND PROMISE ACT

The Dream and Promise Act aims to protect our nation's Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders, by providing them a pathway to citizenship:

"For too many years, Dreamers, TPS and DED holders have lived in fear of being ripped away from their families, said Costa. "This bill works to end the uncertainty surrounding their fate and provides them a path to become U.S. citizenship. Dreamers were brought to this country as infants and children through no choice of their own. For them, America is the only home they've ever known."

In 2017, the Trump Administration eviscerated protections for Dreamers when the decision was made to rescind the DACA program.  Although court injunctions have so far permitted Dreamers to renew, their status remains in limbo.  This bill would provide a pathway to citizenship for eligible Dreamers. In addition, the Dream and Promise Act would secure permanent residency for people with TPS and DED.  After 5 years, those permanent residents would be eligible to apply to become citizens. 


FARM WORFORCE MODERNIZATION ACT

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is groundbreaking legislation that provides a path to legal residency for nearly 250,000 California farmworkers.

"Providing a path to legal citizenship for the men and women who work to put food on our dinner tables is long overdue," said Costa. "California's farming communities have dealt with worker shortages for years, a problem that has only gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this crisis, workers have risked their health and safety to feed Americans. These essential workers deserve a path to legal residency."

It is estimated that nearly 60% of California's more than 420,000 farmworkers are undocumented. The Farm Workforce and Modernization Act will help these workers gain legal status provided they meet certain requirements, such as proving they have worked in agriculture in the past and will continue to work in agriculture in the future.

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Issues:Immigration