Video (YouTube)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered remarks on the House floor in support of the H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, legislation to create a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) holders.

The full text of her remarks, as delivered, is available below and a video is available here.

Transcript: Rep. Pressley’s Floor Remarks on Dream and Promise Act
March 18, 2021

Thank you, Chairman Nadler.

The tragic events of this week underscore both our responsibility and the urgency we must move to legislate our values and to stand on the side of justice.

I represent the Massachusetts 7th, a district which is 40% immigrants. I rise today in solidarity with them.

H.R. 6 is a critical step towards citizenship for Dreamers, TPS and DED holders.

However, the criminal bar provisions added to this bill further entangles our racist criminal legal system in the citizenship process.

I want to thank Congressman Garcia and partners for leading the fight to eliminate this language.

There is more work to be done, but this bill moves us in the right direction of a more just America — one which values the lives of immigrants and not just their labor.

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