[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 168 (Thursday, November 14, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5978]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                           ECONOMIC DREAMERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Garcia) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. GARCIA of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak about an 
urgent challenge facing our Nation, one that, if left unresolved, could 
lead to an economic and moral disaster.
  This challenge is the uncertain future of our Dreamers, individuals 
who embody the very spirit of the American Dream. These Dreamers were 
brought to this country as children through no fault of their own. They 
grew up with our kids, attended our schools. They pledged allegiance to 
our flag, the only flag that they have ever known. If given the chance, 
many would die for it as many have done through their service in the 
military. They share the same hopes, the same dreams, and the same 
dedication to building a better America as all of us.
  They contribute as taxpayers, small business owners, educators, 
artists, and aspiring public servants. During the pandemic, they 
stepped up as essential workers. They served as doctors, nurses, and 
first responders to keep our communities healthy and safe.
  Instead of being recognized and celebrated, they live under the fear 
of constant threat, not because of their actions, but because of our 
inaction. They live in fear, fear that at any moment their lives could 
be uprooted by the stroke of a pen or a court decision or a tweet.
  Every day they contribute to our communities, strengthen our economy, 
and make America a place worth living in.
  Let's make one thing clear, Mr. Speaker: Immigrants, including 
Dreamers, are a tremendous economic force for good in this country, 
regardless of what some people in the majority may say or want to 
believe.
  One study found that immigrants account for 17 percent of the U.S. 
GDP, or more than $3.3 trillion. Make no mistake: Dreamers pay their 
fair share and more.
  Since 2012, when President Obama created the DACA program, DACA 
recipients have paid some $20 billion in Federal and payroll taxes and 
a further $13 billion in State and local taxes.
  In my very own home State of Texas, which has the second highest 
number of DACA recipients, Dreamers contribute over $16 billion 
annually to our State's economy.
  Let's be clear, Mr. Speaker: The U.S. economy cannot afford to lose 
this workforce, the talent, and the drive that Dreamers bring to this 
country.
  In Texas alone, if DACA were to end, it would result in an estimated 
2,600 job losses every single month, including 200 healthcare jobs and 
100 educators.
  That is nothing short of a national failure. Congress has a 
responsibility to act and pass solutions. Bipartisan bills like mine, 
the American Dream and Promise Act, could pass in this House today if 
only it were brought to a vote.
  This legislation would provide Dreamers with the security they 
deserve and ensure our economy remains competitive.
  According to some estimates, creating a pathway to citizenship for 
Dreamers would increase the GDP by over $799 billion in 10 years. That 
is not chump change. It would create more than a quarter of a million 
jobs.
  Unfortunately, very few Republicans are working with us or are even 
willing to sit down and talk so that we can move forward on this issue.
  For the sake of our economy and our future, I hope that course 
changes.
  Mr. Speaker, please work with me and my Democratic colleagues to get 
this done. I know we can take care of Dreamers and immigrants who 
contribute to our economy and do more together to secure our border.
  To close, I will share the story of three fellows who served in my 
office this past year. They served our constituents, upheld our 
Constitution, and exemplified what it means to be an American, all 
while knowing we could never even hire them in the end full time.
  They are Dreamers. They are bright, young, dedicated people who 
deserve a permanent place here without fear of deportation. They and 
their families deserve better.
  It is time for Congress to work together on a bipartisan basis to 
pass the American Dream and Promise Act and to keep the American Dream 
alive. We cannot let it die. We cannot let it go cold.
  Let's step up and act with courage. Let's pass the American Dream and 
Promise Act to secure our border and unleash the economic potential of 
Dreamers across the country.

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