Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García Votes to Protect Millions of Immigrants and their Families

Washington, DC- Congressman Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) issued the following statement upon voting in support of H.R. 6 The Dream and Promise Act:

"This moment has been years in the making, thanks in part to the advocates, allies and young people who have worked bravely for their opportunity to stay in the US—the country they call home. As an immigrant and as the Representative of a district that is more than one-third foreign born, this is a personal issue. I am proud to vote for The American Dream and Promise Act.

"Up to 2.5 million immigrants across the country, including 37,000 in Chicago, would be eligible for protection under H.R. 6—when it is enacted into law. This bill would provide stability to thousands of individuals living in mixed-status families, many of whom live, work and go to school in my community.

"For years, I have listened to members of my community whose lives have been put on hold-- unsure if they will return at night when they leave for school, church or work. Children would have the chance to live without the fear of their parents being deported.

"But let me be clear, the American Dream and Promise Act is not perfect. I remain deeply concerned about harmful provisions included in this bill that reinforce racial profiling.

"That is why I offered amendments to prohibit juvenile adjudications from being used to determine a public safety risk and to eliminate all references to gang databases or presumed gang affiliations from H.R. 6. – an issue I spearheaded back home in Chicago. We must stand up against the false and dehumanizing narrative about Black and Brown immigrant youth.

"Passing H.R. 6 today sets a significant precedent by the House of Representatives to create a pathway to citizenship for millions. The bill is a historic step forward. Now Senator Mitch McConnell needs to do the right thing for families throughout America and pass this bill in the Senate."

###