SACRAMENTO, CA – Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles) introduced Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 11 on Monday, urging the federal administration and Congress to enact legislation to provide a permanent solution for immigrant youth and individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS). AJR 11 supports House Resolution (HR) 6, which reintroduces the Dream and Promise Act of 2019 with protections for TPS and Deferred Enforced Departure recipients.
“I am committed to protecting our most vulnerable immigrant populations from the federal administration’s attacks and will work to make sure TPS recipients are protected,” said Assemblymember Carrillo. “I am proud to offer support Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard on HR 6, demonstrating California is home to all and ready for bold leadership.”
Under existing law, the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate a foreign country for TPS if the country is experiencing armed conflict, environmental disaster or other life-threatening conditions. Since 2017, the federal administration has threatened to terminate crucial protections for immigrants from countries with TPS designation that remain unstable. Approximately 436,866 TPS recipients live in the United States, with the largest group — consisting of over 80,000 individuals — residing in California.
“The gravity of this humanitarian crisis, perpetuated by the federal administration, cannot be underscored enough,” Assemblymember Carrillo said. “Last year, I spearheaded efforts that appropriated $10 million in legal services to those affected by threats to their status under TPS. It is now time to find a permanent fix to our broken immigration system.”
“As a co-author of the original Dream Act, and as the congresswoman for the district with the nation's largest Dreamer population, it is a privilege to lead today’s introduction of the Dream and Promise Act,” said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard. “I have seen firsthand the love that our Dreamers have for our country. They are our neighbors and colleagues who help strengthen our communities. They are students, scientists, researchers, and small business owners. Our Dream and Promise Act recognizes the contributions and patriotism of Dreamers, TPS recipients, and DED beneficiaries by helping them stay in America, pursue a path to citizenship, and keep strengthening our great country. I look forward to fighting for the passage of this pivotal legislation in the House, and making it the law of the land.”
“The Dream and Promise Bill is an important initial step toward doing right by colleagues, students, neighbors and family members who have been a full but unrecognized part of communities nationwide, sometimes for decades,” said Angelica Salas, Executive Director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA). “At a time of deep division over immigration, supporting this bill is an act of singular courage, and we stand with everyone in the California Assembly who has stepped forward for our community and our Unstoppable Dreams.”
House Democrats will introduce HR 6 on Tuesday.
Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo was elected as the representative of the 51st Assembly District in December of 2017. She is a member of the Health, Appropriations, Utilities & Energy, Labor and Rules Committees. Carrillo represents the people of East Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, and the neighborhoods of El Sereno, Echo Park, Lincoln Heights, Chinatown and parts of Silver Lake.