Reps. Vargas, Soto, Espaillat, Torres, García, and Napolitano Introduce H.R. 623, DREAMer House Employment Act of 2019
Washington, D.C. (January 17, 2019)— Reps. Juan Vargas (CA-51), Darren Soto (FL-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), and Grace Napolitano (CA-32) are proud to introduce the DREAMer House Employment Act of 2019 (H.R.623). This bill would make DACA participants, or “DREAMers”, eligible for employment by an office of a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Our DREAMers embody the very best of our American values. H.R. 623 offers these talented, driven young people the opportunity to fully realize their aspirations of working in a congressional office,” said Rep. Vargas. “There is no question, DREAMers are America’s children and like any other young person in this country, they deserve the opportunity to work in Congress.”
“Our office has been honored to host several DREAMer interns over the course of the last Congress. These young people were bright, hardworking, and offered our office tremendous insight,” said Rep. Soto. “Their diverse perspectives were invaluable to better represent our community. My only regret was my inability under law to pay them for their good work. It’s time to recognize this injustice, be consistent on DACA policies, and open the door for countless DREAMers to help lead our great country.”
“I am inspired by DREAMers every day and have witnessed their incredible drive and persistence to achieve the American dream,” said Rep. Espaillat. “DREAMers who have interned in my Washington and New York offices have flourished in their roles. They worked hard as dedicated members of my team and should be afforded the same opportunities for themselves and for their families, should always feel as though they belong here in the United States of America, the only country many of them have ever known. I’m encouraged by Rep. Vargas’s efforts, and I am proud to join him in making this important change to allow DREAMers to serve as congressional staff. While it is only a small step, it sends a big message. We will continue our work as steadfast champions for these young men and women until we’ve passed the DREAM Act to protect them once and for all.”
“DREAMers represent the best of who we are—they are lawyers, doctors, and engineers. They are just as American as any us, and they deserve to be represented in the United States Congress,” said Rep. Torres. “With this bill, we can now make that a reality here in the House. I thank Congressman Vargas for his leadership and commitment to uplifting our young people.”
“America is the only country most DREAMers call home. They share our ideals and patriotism,” said Rep. Garcia. “If they have an employment authorization document obtained through the DACA Program, there is no reason why they should be excluded from the possibility of employment in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
DACA has allowed nearly 800,000 eligible young adults to work lawfully, pursue higher education, and live their lives without the constant threat of deportation. Individuals enrolled in DACA have been carefully screened by the Department of Homeland Security and do not otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire U.S.-Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his fourth term in Congress. He serves on the House Financial Services Committee.
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