On the Senate Floor: FWMA & The American Dream and Promise Act

On March 3^rd, 2021 the American Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6) and the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R. 1603) were introduced into the House of Representatives and passed 228 to 197 and 247 to 174, respectively. Now that the House of Representatives has passed these bills, they move on to the Senate Floor for another vote.

The American Dream and Promise Act would create a pathway to citizenship and, in most cases, cancel removal proceedings for Dreamers and people with temporary protected status (TPS) or deferred enforced departure (DED). The bill would allow individuals who have lived most of their lives in the United States to stay in their home country by further contributing to their community and nation.

Similarly, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act (FWMA) would provide a pathway to legal status for US agricultural workers and their families. The passage of this bill would reinforce US agriculture and preserve rural farming, all fundamental components of a strong economy.

We are currently awaiting the outcome of the American Dream and Promise Act. In the meantime, learn more about applying for or renewing DACA and get free help with your Immigration case by calling  (503) 427-8243 or scheduling a consultation  here .

American Dream and Promise Act of 2021

American Dream and Promise Act protections would permit as many as 2.3 million Dreamers brought to the US as minors, including nearly 700,000 Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, to live and work in the United States. The bill’s protections would also permit almost 400,000 DED and TPS holders the opportunity to remain in the country, along with another 170,000 “Legal Dreamers” — children of particular categories of temporary workers who aged out of derivative status from their parents’ visas.

What Is the American Dream and Promise Act?

The American Dream and Promise Act provides a roadmap to citizenship for various immigrants, especially the sons and daughters of H-1B professionals, managers, E-1 treaty traders, L-1 executives, and E-2 treaty investors. Unfortunately, there is no path for citizenship for children of parents with other temporary working visas.

The children of parents with the above-mentioned working visas can submit an application for citizenship if they meet these requirements:

• Were under 18 when they first came to the United States and have been continuously present in the United States;
• Have been present in the United States continuously starting January 1, 2021;
• Graduated from high school or entered a college in the United States;
• Have not been charged of any crimes.

Dreamers under 18 could avoid deportation proceedings if they meet the requirements of conditional permanent resident status, except if they are not yet enrolled in high school.

If you believe that you or a family member qualifies under this act, Passage Immigration Law is here for you and your loved ones. Serving immigrant community across the country and helping them fulfill their dreams is our fundamental goal. A top-rated immigration attorney at our office is ready to advise and get the best possible result for you and your family.

Understanding the Farm Workforce Modernization Act

H.R. 1603, referred to as the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, passed the House in March 2021 with a handful of Republican votes and overwhelming Democratic support. However, it has stalled in the Senate amid rancor over its provisions to create a roadmap to permanent residency and citizenship for undocumented farmworkers already in this USA. In the final week of 2022, many are hopeful that the bill will eventually make its way to a Senate vote.

The Senate has not been able to reach a compromise, although the House has passed different versions of the bill over many years of wrangling. The key sticking point is the expansion of another labor law that would permit temporary agricultural workers to sue their employers.

What the Bill Would Accomplish

The key thrust of FWMA is to permit farmers to hire their H-2A workers on a permanent basis. Currently H-2A workers are temporary workers only, who make up most of the ranks of migrant workers who move to the country following growing seasons.

The Act would provide benefit to farmers by opening access to a greater pool of permanent workers and lessening the burden of seasonal hiring. Workers would likewise be offered considerably more stability than they are enjoying now.

Proponents of FWMA say it could significantly reduce food prices by inviting more foreign agricultural workers to apply for the H-2A visa. A larger labor pool, they argue, will assist and boost farmers’ production to thereby lower prices

See An Immigration Lawyer

The American Dream and Promise Act, if enacted into law, would lay a path to citizenship for several million Dreamers as well as TPS and DED holders. The FWMA would provide similar protection to more than one million undocumented farm workers and their families.

There is no room for mistake in the process of immigration. A single error or missed deadline could put your status at risk and leave you vulnerable to removal or deportation. Passage Immigration Law offers comprehensive immigration services. We exclusively focus on immigration law and keep updated on this constantly changing legal field.

Our attorneys are committed to providing outstanding service. We serve in many immigration areas. from obtaining visas for individuals, work to deportation and criminal immigration defense assistance. We are here to assist. The immigration process can seem challenging, and the right guidance is what you need to get a successful outcome.

With offices in Portland, Oregon, Los Angeles, California, and Washington, Passage Immigration Law is well prepared to offer the assistance you need and help you obtain the best possible result. Contact us today at (503) 427-8243 or schedule a consultation here to get your concerns answered.