New American Economy Endorses the Dream Act and the SECURE Act

This week, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced a bill, the Dream Act of 2019, which would provide protections to millions of Dreamers. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) also introduced the Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and in Emergency (SECURE) Act. This legislation would allow qualified Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders to apply for legal permanent residency. NAE issued the following statement in support of these pieces of legislation:

“Dreamers, who came here as children, and TPS holders, who were given legal status because of safety concerns in their home countries, have made big investments in this nation as workers, entrepreneurs and taxpayers,” said John Feinblatt, president of New American Economy. “Congress needs to pass the Dream Act and SECURE Act, which would create a path for these Americans to continue contributing to their adopted home.”

New research from New American Economy finds that DACA-eligible immigrants and TPS holders:

• Are productive members of the workforce: In 2017, 93 percent of DACA-eligible immigrants and 94 percent of TPS beneficiaries were employed.
• Pay billions in federal income, state, and local taxes: In 2017, DACA-eligible immigrants paid close to $4.0 billion in taxes, while TPS holders paid more than $1.5 billion.
• Hold significant economic clout: In 2017, DACA-eligible individuals earned enough to have $19.4 billion in spending power, while TPS holders earned enough to have $5.8 billion.
• Are entrepreneurial: In 2017, there were approximately 43,000 DACA-eligible entrepreneurs.