Rep. Soto & FWD.us Hold Roundtable Lunch On Urgent Need To Pass The Dream And Promise Act

KISSIMMEE, FL – Today, FWD.us and Congressman Darren Soto (FL-09) held a roundtable lunch on the need for Congress to pass legislation that would provide an earned pathway to citizenship for our nation's Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders. The event brought together Congressman Soto and Dreamers and TPS holders from across Florida to discuss the challenges immigrants face due to our nation's broken immigration system.. Participants, including Congressman Soto, FWD.us Florida State Director Ted Hutchinson, TPS holders and Florida Dreamers, including Adrian Escarate, Wilna Destin, and Claudia Jimenez, highlighted the need for Congress to pass the Dream and Promise Act to protect our nation's Dreamers and TPS holders.

Beginning with a policy update, Congressman Soto discussed with participants the current state of play around immigration reform in Washington, specifically noting the recent passing of H.R. 6, the Dream and Promise Act, out of the House Judiciary Committee, and the next steps to pass this legislation out of Congress.

The Dreamers and TPS holders then told the Congressman about the impact that the Trump Administration's decision to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and to end TPS protections has had on their lives. They, like many Dreamers and TPS holders across the country, now live in fear while they wait for Congress to take bipartisan action and protect them.

The event ended with Congressman Soto praising the participants for their courage and promising to act and vote for the Dream and Promise Act when it comes to the House floor.

Participant quotes from today's roundtable are below:

"Dreamers, TPS holders and DED holders are American in every way. It is essential to protect these immigrant populations and their tremendous contributions to our community and economy. I have had the honor of meeting many Dreamers and TPS holders here in Central Florida, including hosting some as interns in my Congressional offices. They are the reason I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of the Dream and Promise Act. This bill is a historic opportunity to pass lasting protections for these proud Americans." — Representative Darren Soto (FL-09)

"Conversations like today's are important opportunities to illustrate the urgent need for Congress to pass protections for Dreamers and TPS holders. Here in Florida, we know firsthand the incredible impact immigrants have on our economy. They are business owners, job creators and so much more. Thankfully, Congress has an opportunity to protect these vital populations by passing the Dream and Promise Act." — FWD.usFlorida State Director Ted Hutchinson

"When I was just three years old, my parents brought me to the United States in hopes of a better life. I am incredibly fortunate to call Miami home and am grateful to the DACA program for allowing me to come out of the shadows and graduate from college. Without DACA, earning a master's degree wouldn't have been possible. Congress must act before Dreamers like me are forced back to countries we barely know. The time for action is now." — Adrian Escaraté, FWD.us Fellow, Professional Tennis Instructor, & DACA Recipient

"Ever since I was brought to the United States at the age of eight, Florida has been my home. When the DACA program was introduced, I was able to come out of the shadows and begin pursuing my dreams of becoming an immigration lawyer. Without action from Congress, I will be unable to achieve my dreams and will instead continue to live in fear." — Claudia Jimenez, DACA Recipient & Student



"Congress must act and pass the Dream and Promise Act to prevent damage to Florida communities, economy and TPS holders, like my family and I, who fled to the United States in search of safety. America has always been a land of opportunity where, if you're willing to work hard, you can achieve your dreams. TPS has allowed me to pursue a life in the United States, one that could come to a screeching halt if a permanent solution for the TPS program isn't passed soon." — Wilna Destin, TPS Holder & Unite Here Local 737 Member