Lawmakers Have Introduced a Bill to Protect Individuals with DACA and TPS

On March 11, 2019, lawmakers introduced a bill named Dream and Promise Act or H.R. 6. This bill if passed, would provide a path to citizenship for individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

DACA

Under the proposed bill individuals who meet the following requirements may apply for conditional permanent residence status. This conditional status would last for 10 years.

In order to apply for conditional permanent residence status, individuals must show that:

• They arrived in the U.S. before turning 18 years old and have been in U.S. for at least 4 years.
• They have not been convicted for a felony or three separate misdemeanors involving total jail time of 90 days.
• They have received a high school diploma or GED, or are enrolled in a program to get a high school diploma or GED.
• They can pass background checks and a few other standard eligibility requirements.

Yet, if the individual can show that she/he obtained a degree from a higher education institution, completed at least two years “in good standing” at a post-secondary degree program, completed at least two years of military service or has been employed for at least three years- (75% of which was with legal work authorization), he/she would be eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence status without conditions.

TPS

Individuals with TPS would be eligible to apply for permanent residence status without any conditions if they can show that:

• They have lived in the U.S. for at least three years before the Bill goes into effect.

After having lawful permanent residence for five years, these individuals will be eligible to apply for citizenship.

It is estimated that if this proposed bill passes, it could give legal status to about 2.5 million immigrants.

If you have DACA or TPS please contact the experienced immigration attorneys at Monty & Ramirez LLP at 713-289-4546 or via email at info@montyramirezlaw.com.

Originally published in the M&R Insider newsletter on Family Immigration. Sign up today!