Dream and Promise Act could protect millions from deportation, advocates urge Congress

Immigration advocates are urging Congress to advance the Dream and Promise Act, warning that millions of immigrants could face job losses and deportation as the Trump administration moves to end legal protections for several humanitarian immigration programs.

In an analysis published Thursday, the American Immigration Council said members of the U.S. House of Representatives have an opportunity to force a vote on the legislation through a discharge petition, which requires 218 signatures. According to the organization, more than 210 House members already support the petition.

The Dream and Promise Act would create pathways to lawful permanent residency for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Enforced Departure (DED), and many undocumented immigrants who entered the United States as children, commonly known as Dreamers.

The organization said congressional action has become increasingly urgent following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that cleared the way for the Trump administration to terminate TPS protections for several nationalities. The administration has also moved to dismantle DACA and revoke TPS protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants.

Under the proposed legislation, eligible Dreamers would first receive a 10-year conditional permanent status before becoming eligible for lawful permanent residence after meeting education, military service or employment requirements. TPS and DED holders who meet residency and background check requirements would be eligible to apply directly for permanent resident status.

The American Immigration Council argued that the legislation would also benefit the U.S. economy, noting that TPS holders contributed more than $5.2 billion in taxes and had $16.9 billion in spending power in 2023. DACA-eligible individuals paid an estimated $11.5 billion in taxes and generated approximately $35 billion in spending power during the same year.

The organization said states with large immigrant populations, including Florida and Ohio, could face significant labor shortages if TPS protections end, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, hospitality and elder care.

Despite broad public support for providing legal pathways for long-term immigrant residents, the Council acknowledged that the bill faces uncertain prospects in the current Congress. However, it said House passage would demonstrate bipartisan support for immigration reform and could improve the legislation’s chances of becoming law in the future.

The Dream and Promise Act was first introduced in 2021 but has not yet been enacted into law.