Today, Rep. Scott Peters (CA-52) voted to pass the American Dream and Promise Act, which provides legal protection to approximately 2.5 million Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, who have spent most of their lives in the United States. Roughly 38,000 San Diegans are or could be eligible for DACA, the seventh-highest population of any county in America. California is also home to almost 75,000 TPS recipients. To be DACA eligible, a person must have arrived in the United States as a child, be able to pass a criminal background check, and be working, going to school, or serving in the military. TPS holders reside in the United States because they were forced to flee violence, natural disasters, or civil unrest in their home country. The bill is supported by over 400 national organizations, including the United States Chamber of Commerce and the National Council of Churches.

“It has been fourteen months since President Trump ended DACA without any legislative substitute over the cries of millions of Americans who know Dreamers as our friends, neighbors, and coworkers. The president has also ripped protections from those who fled unspeakable violence and devastation in their home countries and found a safe haven in the U.S.

“While I continue to advocate for much-needed comprehensive immigration reform, this vote keeps America’s promise that if you work hard and play by the rules, we will have a place for you. Democratic and Republican Senators have called for DACA protections—it’s time for them to step up and protect Dreamers and TPS recipients as we did in the House today,” said Rep. Peters.

In 2018, Rep. Peters invited San Diego resident and DACA recipient Karen Bahena to attend the State of the Union. He has repeatedly called for DACA to be included in comprehensive immigration plans, so that the approximately 800,000 DACA recipients can fully contribute to American society. In 2017, he wrote an op-ed calling on Congress to pass the Dream Act. During a meeting with President Trump, Rep. Peters defended Dreamers and San Diego’s opposition to the border wall. He has continually called for comprehensive immigration reform.