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CONGRESSMAN GRAY COSPONSORS LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR DREAMERS

March 21, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC – Last month, Congressman Adam Gray (D-Merced) joined over 200 of his colleagues to introduce the bipartisan American Dream and Promise Act of 2025. The legislation would provide a pathway to citizenship to Dreamers, undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children, as well as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. Congressman Gray released the following statement after the legislation’s introduction.

“Most Dreamers have spent their lives here, getting an education, taking care of their families, going to work and contributing to our communities,” said Congressman Gray. “They know no home but the United States, and we must recognize that by making them citizens. California is home to over 160,000 Dreamers who work hard and follow the law. Without them, our economy and our communities would suffer.”

According to FWD.us, Dreamers contribute an estimated $65 billion to the American economy each year and pay nearly $18 billion in federal, payroll, state and local taxes annually. The Center for American Progress finds that the national GDP could grow by up to $799 billion over the next decade if Dreamers are given a pathway to citizenship.

The American Dream and Promise Act of 2025 was introduced by Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-TX), is cosponsored by 202 bipartisan Members of Congress and is endorsed by over 100 advocacy organizations. Identical legislation passed the House in the 117th Congress and was reintroduced in the 118th Congress. 

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Issues: Immigration