Foster, Newman back pathway to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants

U.S. Reps. Bill Foster and Marie Newman backed legislation which would provide a pathway to citizenship for so-called “Dreamers,” or undocumented immigrants who were brought to the U.S. as children.

The House of Representatives passed the American Dream and Promise Act which would also provide such a pathway for many with Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Enforced Departure holders, according to a news release.

Foster, D-Naperville, cited his vote for a previous version of the Dream Act back in 2010, which he called in a statement “one of my proudest votes as a Member of Congress.”

“Now, 11 years later, I am proud to once again vote for historic legislation to finally provide a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers – young people who were brought to America as children and have known no other home, as well as immigrants whose countries of origin are beset by armed conflict or natural disasters,” he said.

Newman argued that Dreamers and TPS and DED holders are longtime residents of their communities and active members of their local economies.

“They are police officers, medical workers, teachers, farmers and other essential workers that have built their lives over decades of serving our communities,” Newman said in a statement. “Most of all, they are our family, friends and neighbors – and they deserve protection.”

The American Dream and Promise Act would allow eligible individuals to apply for citizenship five years after they have attained lawful permanent resident status.